ACTESA and PCS personnel recognised for their dedication and long service


Released 26/11/2021

ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) volunteers and staff and ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) personnel have been recognised at a joint awards ceremony for their continued efforts to support the community.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said staff and volunteers deserved to be recognised for their important roles in protecting the ACT.

“I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the volunteers and staff who have dedicated their time and expertise to help keep our community safe,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Every day, we see ACTESA and PCS personnel dedicate their time, skills and expertise to support our community,” he said.

“They deserve to be honoured and appreciated not only today but every day.”

ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medals recognise the contribution emergency personnel make towards protecting the ACT.

“I am proud of our volunteers and staff, who not only work in challenging environments every day, but have continued to deliver outstanding service to the community during the ongoing pandemic,” Commissioner Whelan said.

“Faced with COVID-19 and numerous natural disasters, our front-line workers have risen to the occasion and continued to deliver outstanding service to the community in their time of need,” she said.

Eighty-two ACTESA staff and volunteers have been awarded the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medals for their commitment and dedication.

Forty-five personnel, including 23 ACTESA and 22 PCS, have been recognised with the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, recognising their deployment in Canada to assist with the 2017 wildfires response.

Director for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service Daniel Iglesias said the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal recognises the ACT's collaborative approach to bushfire response.

“As Canberrans, we are acutely aware of the importance in banding together to help our neighbours respond to fires and catastrophes, whether they are just down the road or far across the pond,” Mr Iglesias said.

“When faced with these difficult challenges, no matter where they occur, we know we have people who are willing to rise to the occasion and put their expertise and experience in action those in need.”

Twenty-four ACTESA recipients will also be acknowledged and awarded with the National Medal or clasp for 15 years or more of service.

The ACT Emergency Services Agency Long Service Medal and National Medal acknowledges the long service and dedication of staff and volunteers within the ACTESA and nationally who assist the community during times of crisis in enabling services and emergency management roles.

This is the first time that a joint event has been held to recognise the award recipients together for the:

  • National Medal;
  • Humanitarian Overseas Services Medal – British Columbia II;
  • ESA Long Service Medal;
  • ACT Ambulance Long Service Medal; and
  • ACT Fire and Rescue Volunteer Long Service Medal.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


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