It was ‘all hands on deck’ on Wednesday, April 18, at the Harden Fire and Rescue NSW station, as three of their own were honoured with medals for their service to their community.
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Area Commander Chief Superintendent Greg Buckley, Scott Spackman, Captain Wal Leonow, Jon Parker, Zone Commander Superintendent Tom Freedom and Inspector Bruce Fitzpatrick. Picture: Jody Potts
The medals were presented by Area Commander Chief Superintendent Greg Buckley, Zone Commander Superintendent Tom Freeman and Inspector Bruce Fitzpatrick, who had all travelled to Harden for the occasion.
Scott Spackman received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his 10 years of service to the Harden 389 NSW Fire and Rescue.
Jon Parker received the Long Service and Good Conduct First Class Medal in recognition of his 20 years of service to the Harden 389 NSW Fire and Rescue.
Captain Walter ‘Wal’ Leonow received the National Medal in recognition of 15 years service to the Australian Government.
Inspector Bruce Fitzpatrick explained the criteria for a National Medal to be awarded.
“The National Medal was established in 1975 and recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster,” Inspector Fitzpatrick said.
“These organisations include ambulance, correctional, emergency, fire and police forces, and voluntary organisations such as lifesaving or search and rescue groups.”
The Governor-General awards the National Medal. Nominations are made by the chief officer of the nominee’s organisation. The chief officer of each approved organisation also administers the medal for that organisation.
In 1997 the government commissioned a review of the National Medal and eligibility was extended to include members of qualifying volunteer search and rescue groups.
The award recognises long service in approved organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to these three men for providing good conduct and faithful service to their community of Harden and to the wider NSW region,” Inspector Fitzpatrick said.
“The public don’t generally realise that these men not only support Harden, but they support other stations across NSW that may be dealing with fires and motor vehicle accidents where people may be trapped.”
“Their hard work, dedication and commitment is constantly being tested when these situations arise.
“Our staff is very passionate about training for any events that they could be confronted with.”
“They want to make sure they have the skills to help people the best way they can,” Inspector Fitzpatrick said.
“Fire and Rescue NSW like to be prepared the best way they possibly can in anticipation of someone’s bad day.”
The Harden Murrumburrah Express would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Scott, Jon and Wal on receiving these awards in recognition of their dedication to the community of Harden Murrumburrah.
