NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit Commander, Inspector Kevin Jones, has been awarded an Emergency Services Medal for his more than 52 years of steadfast commitment to volunteer service.
From record-breaking flooding in The Hawkesbury, rescuing casualties trapped in cars and winching large animals to safety, Inspector Jones has been there to support his community through their toughest moments.
He joined the NSW SES in 1973, at just 14 years old, after being encouraged by a neighbour who was the Rescue Officer for the Colo Shire SES at the time.
"I soon signed up at that early age and learned all the basic skills over the following years, being kept busy with many floods in The Hawkesbury over the late 1970s and early 1980s," Inspector Jones said.
Today, Inspector Jones serves as the Unit Commander of the NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit, where his operational leadership ensures rapid, effective responses in one of Australia's highest flood-risk areas.
Inspector Jones has personally attended thousands of rescue operations, but one that has struck a chord was during the historic Colo River flood in March 1978.
"We were transporting a pregnant woman in a flood boat when it became entangled in powerlines and capsized," he said.
"This event was whisker close to having a tragic outcome. Thankfully, we managed to get everyone out of the water and rescued safely."
Inspector Jones said that despite the harrowing rescue, the story had a heartwarming conclusion.
"The lady later gave birth to a healthy baby girl and, in a touching gesture, named her 'Peta Kevin' after us," he said.
Inspector Jones' efforts have bolstered SES capabilities in The Hawkesbury and led to the formation of the Hawkesbury Unit's Rescue Team in 1985, which is on call to support the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Many, many hours, days, weeks, months have been spent training, attending rescues and being on call by the team," he said.
Over the last ten years alone, Inspector Jones has responded to more than 600 individual rescue incidents, in addition to leading major flood and storm operations on the Hawkesbury River.
But his work has extended beyond the local community, travelling across NSW to share his knowledge and skills at statewide challenges. He's also been deployed to significant events including the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, the 1997 Thredbo Landslide, the 1999 Sydney Hailstorm, 2001 Grafton Floods and 2009 Kempsey Floods.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said Kevin represents the very best of volunteering.
"Kevin doesn't do what he does for awards and recognition, but I'm so pleased to see him receive the honour he deserves," Minister Dib said.
"This accolade recognises the dedication and selflessness of volunteers, who give up their time to serve their communities during times of need."
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said Kevin Jones is truly deserving of the prestigious recognition.
"Kevin's contributions have left a lasting legacy of resilience, capability and excellence in the NSW SES," Commissioner Wassing said.
"Not only has he strengthened emergency response in the Hawkesbury community, but he has inspired generations of emergency service professionals."
Inspector Jones said he was deeply honoured to receive recognition in the King's Birthday honours.
"To me it's a tribute to all of the people that I work with," he said.
"All of the volunteers of the SES, because we're all part of a big team, my family, and all the people that I've worked with for letting me do the things that I do as a volunteer.
"While the awards are very appreciated, the one thing for me is to feel like you make a difference. You're helping people deal with the worst day of their life. That's what it's all about."
