More than 100 Mid West emergency services personnel to be recognised with long service awards

The achievements of more than 100 emergency service personnel from the Mid West and Gascoyne regions will be recognised at a formal ceremony in Geraldton on Friday.

In the past 12 months, the regions’ emergency services have responded to more than 1200 incidents, including bushfires, floods, storms, cyclones, road crashes and missing persons.

Medals and clasps recognising decades of service will be handed out to long-serving locals, including Shark Bay SES member Joe McLaughlin who is marking 55 years in emergency services.

Mr McLaughlin joined the North Dinninup Bush Fire Brigade in January 1966, later serving as a deputy chief bush fire control officer with the Shire of Boyup Brook. He moved to Shark Bay and volunteered with the local Marine Rescue and SES groups in a variety of roles.

David Bagley from Yandanooka Bush Fire Brigade will receive a 30-year Bush Fire Brigade clasp in recognition of his service and Moora SES manager Hugh Bryan will be awarded a 35-year clasp.

Mr Bryan has also volunteered with the Moora Town Bush Fire Brigade and is currently an active member of the Bindi Bindi Bush Fire Brigade.

Jurien Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service member Robert Garrett will receive a 10-year medal and 15-year clasp.

Now retired, Kalbarri Marine Rescue’s Dorothea McLaren will be honoured with a 20-year clasp for her service.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the people receiving National Medal Clasps had 1030 years of experience in the emergency services between them.

“In WA, we are extremely lucky to have dedicated emergency services personnel who are prepared to assist not only their local communities but also in interstate and international jurisdictions,” he said.

“These awards are a fitting tribute to the dedicated and hard-working people who have a profound impact on their community.”