Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Personnel Honored in Australia Day Honours List

Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel were named in the Australia Day Honours List and awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) and Emergency Services Medal (ESM).

The Queensland recipients of this national honour demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to both QFES and the community.

Simon Ball, David Heck, Paul Mardon, Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack, Colin ‘Curl’ Santacatarina, and Mark Dole were honored.

Each has served the fire or emergency services for more than a decade and, in some cases, more than 40 years, exhibiting the true extent of loyalty and dedication that exists at QFES.

The recipients join an outstanding group of Queenslanders who exemplify the Australian spirit through selfless devotion, tireless dedication, and unwavering service to their community.

The community relies on emergency services to be there when they need them most, and the Australia Day Honours List is a great opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts of extraordinary individuals.

These six individuals embody the QFES values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty, and trust, and I hope their friends and family enjoy what is sure to be a very special Australia Day.

The six members of QFES being honored today have almost two centuries of combined experience, and I’d like to congratulate them for their outstanding contribution to the emergency services in Queensland.

Our staff and volunteers work day-in, day-out without any expectation of reward or accolades, and their service has contributed greatly to creating a safer and more resilient Queensland.

This year’s recipients are:

– Simon Ball: Commenced firefighter career in 1982 at Hampshire Fire Brigade, United Kingdom.

– David Heck: Volunteer rural firefighter with QFES since September 1993.

– Paul Mardon: Commenced firefighter career in 2006 and has been a pinnacle leader in training auxiliary firefighters.

– Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack: Joined QFES in 1995 and has played key leadership roles in numerous significant emergency events.

– Colin ‘Curl’ Santacaterina: Volunteer rural firefighter since February 1980 and held the position of auxiliary captain at Childers Fire and Rescue Station.

– Mark Dole: Distinguished service in emergency services across three states: Tasmania, Victoria, and Queensland.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their communities and shown exemplary dedication in their respective roles. Their commitment to public safety and their selfless service is commendable and deserving of the recognition they have received.

The QFES and the Queensland community are grateful for their unwavering commitment and exemplary service.