Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Tuesday) handed over a new appliance to Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station – and presented North Coast Region QFES personnel with 23 medals and clasps for their exemplary service.
Mr Crawford said the new Isuzu FTR 150-260, worth more than $530,000, had been provided under the government’s Capital Fleet Funding.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has the personnel, infrastructure and equipment to deliver enhanced services and support across the state," Mr Crawford said.
"Regional centres across Queensland are continuing to grow, so it is only fitting more resources are sent to the frontline to meet future demand," he said.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the new Type 2 appliance had been equipped with a compressed air foam system (CAFS).
"This is an efficient high-energy system used to combat fires, and increase safety for our firefighters," Mr Saunders said.
"The appliance has also been fitted with the latest Core Road Crash Rescue (RCR) equipment, which is lighter and more powerful than older generation tools.
"The RCR equipment will help to provide more safety in emergency events and increase the vehicle’s operational capability," Mr Saunders said.
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll helped present the 23 medals and clasps, which she said recognised the "long service and efforts of staff who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting their local communities".
Ms Carroll said six Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) firefighters were awarded the National Medal and Clasps for their long and diligent service in risking their lives to "protect and assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster".
She said seven FRS firefighters received Diligent Ethical Service Medals (DESM), and 10 QFES personnel received the QFES Medal and Clasps to recognise their commitment to ethical standards, diligence and integrity over a 10-year period - with extra clasps awarded for each additional 10 years.
"Each of the recipients has given extraordinary service that goes above and beyond the normal expectations of volunteers and employees," Ms Carroll said.
"I am always proud to see the lengths and efforts to which QFES members will go to, in serving the community."
