Six local emergency service members have been recognised for their contributions to the Canberra community, each receiving an ACT Community Protection Medal at a ceremony today.
The Community Protection Medal was established in 2002 to acknowledge police and emergency services personnel who have provided sustained, distinguished or outstanding service to the ACT community.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the six recipients demonstrate the very best of the territory's emergency services.
"These recipients don't do this work for medals or recognition, but taking this moment to honour them reminds us of the extraordinary commitment they show every day in protecting our community, often in difficult and demanding circumstances.
"I'm incredibly proud of each recipient. Their commitment to the people of Canberra strengthens our emergency services and builds the confidence and resilience of the community we serve."
The 6 recipients of the 2026 ACT Community Protection Medal are:
Mr Anthony Groves, ACT Ambulance Service
Mr Anthony Groves is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal for sustained distinguished service to the ACT Ambulance Service through leadership in clinical governance, innovation, and the advancement of patient care. Mr Groves has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving clinical standards, fostering a culture of safety and learning, and ensuring the ongoing protection and wellbeing of the Canberra community. His leadership in modernising clinical systems, developing new models of care, and implementing innovative clinical equipment exemplifies the highest standards of public service.
Mr Leighton Bush, ACT Emergency Services Agency
Mr Leighton Bush is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal in recognition of his, distinguished and outstanding service to the ACT community through his leadership in enhancing emergency services collaboration, policy, and public safety communication. Mr Bush's collaboration with key stakeholders across the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), ACT Government and National emergency management counterparts has led to ensuring the ESA and ACT community's interests and safety are well articulated, particularly during large-scale emergency incidents.
Superintendent Chris White, ACT Fire & Rescue
Superintendent Chris White is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medial in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contribution to community safety through the awareness and development of partnerships with industry guiding the safe installation of charging infrastructure in commercial buildings. Also, for going over and above that required of his regular duties, to develop and improve process and procedure around firefighter and community safety.
Sergeant Frazer Howard, ACT Policing
Sergeant Frazer Howard is recognised for his exceptional leadership, strategic oversight and significant contribution to community protection within ACT Policing. His ability to lead fast-moving, high-risk-high-harm investigations was instrumental in reducing community harm and restoring public confidence during a period of heightened concern. Sergeant Howard has strengthened workforce capability through innovative training programs and operational reforms, improving the effectiveness of proactive policing. In addition, his decade of dedicated Search and Rescue service represents a significant personal contribution to community protection, well beyond his normal policing duties.
Mr Christopher O'Neill, ACT Rural Fire Service
Mr Christopher O'Neill has been a distinguished member of the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) and its predecessors since 1988. Mr O'Neill demonstrates the highest qualities and attributes of an ACTRFS firefighters and has performed well above and beyond the normal requirements expected of a member supporting the ACT and regional communities for an extended and continual period.
Ms Victoria Munslow, ACT State Emergency Service
Ms Victoria Munslow is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal for ongoing dedication, support and passion for serving the ACT community as an ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) volunteer for over 25 years. Ms Munslow has provided effective leadership during operational responses and has immense passion for training ACTSES volunteers. Ms Munslow consistently shows an unwavering commitment to improve volunteer outcomes and opportunities.
