Blue Mountains State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been recognised for their commitment to the community with long service awards.
Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle presented three of the unit’s volunteers with the National Medal for Service in Faulconbridge in May.
Bill Webster was recognised for 45 years long service. Mr Webster joined the NSW SES in 1972 at Baulkham Hills and for the last 10 years has been an active member, trainer and assessor for the Blue Mountains unit at Katoomba.
Ken Parsons received the second clasp of the National Medal for 35 years of service. Mr Parson served as local controller for 12 years until 2001, then continued assisting in the operational needs of the SES. In his 35 years, he was instrumental in establishing the emergency services centre at Katoomba in the early 1990s, working closely with the Rural Fire Service and Blue Mountains City Council.
Mr Parsons also saw the growth of the unit’s vehicle fleet from an old milk truck to the current, modern fleet of seven vehicles.
John Powell was awarded the National Medal for 15 years of service to the unit. He has worked in communications and operations roles for the Blue Mountains, as well as unit duty officer, helping the co-ordination of emergency crews to incidents.
“The commitment and time to assisting our community is just outstanding,” said Trish Doyle. “I am proud to support these dedicated volunteers who assist us all in times of need.”
Five other members of the Blue Mountains unit also received five year medals for service to the community: Gary Coleborn, Stephen Manning; Ryan D’Souza; Ken Dunn; and Andrew Bennett.
