Top emergency services personnel to be honoured

The awards honour the outstanding achievements of volunteers and career firefighters who respond around the clock to fires, floods, cyclones, storms and land and sea search and rescue operations.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm, AFSM, said the past awards had recognised the tireless work of emergency services personnel during long and challenging incidents across the State.

“Whether they are called to free car crash victims, battle a blazing house fire, take to stormy seas to search for missing vessels or scour the desert for a missing person, these men and women show bravery and courage in often high-pressure and emotionally challenging situations,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“Our honoured personnel have spent endless hours relocating residents displaced through cyclones, conducted community education campaigns on fire safety and highlighted mental health issues.”

Despite being under immense pressure, sometimes for several days and weeks during big bushfire incidents and natural disasters, they displayed a high level of integrity and professionalism that should be commended.

“These awards represent an opportunity for the WA public and those who have benefitted from the excellent work of our humble emergency services personnel to recognise and say thank you to these hardworking leaders and role models,” Commissioner Klemm said.

Nominations for the Firefighting, State Emergency Service and Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Awards close 4pm, Monday 13 May.

The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony on Saturday 7 September during the 2019 Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Conference.

For further information on categories, nomination forms and previous winners visit dfes.wa.gov.au/awards.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543