Released 02/08/2021
ACT Emergency Services personnel have been recognised for their service to the community at the 2021 ACT Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said it takes a special kind of person to work in front line emergency services.
“When disaster strikes they put others first, ensuring the communities safety and risking their own lives to do so,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Congratulations to the award recipients and each of the finalists for their distinguished careers and dedication in responding to major incidents.”
ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said paid and volunteer emergency services personnel play a vital role in keeping the community safe.
“These awards are a fantastic way to honour the contribution of both paid staff and volunteer members. The RESCA is the only time emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“Our emergency services personnel have worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property both in the ACT and on deployment interstate over the past 18 months, and I am very proud of the finalists for being recognised by their community on their achievements.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the ongoing commitment and dedication of each our finalists and congratulations to both 2021 RESCA winners.”
Eight finalists from ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS), ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R), ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) and ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) were nominated by the ACT community to recognise their invaluable service.
ACTRFS Chief Officer Rohan Scott was awarded the 2021 RESCA in the “paid” category. Chief Officer Scott has spent over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter before assuming the position of Chief Officer at the ACTRFS. He has been commended for devoting his time to develop a stronger more resilient ACTRFS by initiating several health and wellbeing programs following the 2020 Black Summer fire season.
ACTRFS volunteer firefighter Christopher Puschak was awarded the 2021 RESCA in the “volunteer” category. Christopher has been involved with the ACT Emergency Services Agency for the past 24 years and is currently the Treasurer of the Hall Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade. Whilst being an active volunteer firefighter, Christopher has been commended for his dedication and commitment to his service and his crew especially over the 2019 fire season, always assisting his crew where possible to ensure confidence and consistency.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases