By Trish Bowman
Cooberrie Fire Brigade First Officer volunteer Waine Scott has been named one of three Queensland Fire Services personnel recognised for distinguished service in King’s Birthday Honours.
He joins Auxiliary Captain Ashley Cupitt and Acting Superintendent Graeme Hall named as Queensland’s AFSM recipients.
The AFSM recognises the distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service and is awarded to both paid and volunteer personnel.
Queensland Fire Services personnel have today been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List and awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
First Officer Mr Scott has provided distinguished service to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for more than 37 years as a respected member of the Cooberrie Brigade.
He was awarded the AFSM for his exemplary leadership in numerous fire events and for his contributions towards operational capability through training volunteers.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said across Queensland, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and RFS personnel continually put themselves on the frontline in order to keep Queenslanders safe.
“They don’t seek recognition or praise, but the outstanding work they do should never be underestimated,” Minister Ryan said.
“The three outstanding Queenslanders who have been honoured have put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and they exemplify the qualities that make our State special.
“They should be proud of this special recognition and of the significant contributions they make every day.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said each AFSM recipient has consistently gone above and beyond in the line of duty for their communities and should be proud of this well-deserved recognition.
“I am incredibly proud of the three firefighters who thoroughly deserve this prestigious medal and I want to thank them on behalf of QFES for their decades of service to this state,” Mr Leach said.
The AFSM recognises the distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service and is awarded to both paid and volunteer personnel.
Mr Waine Scott is a respected member of Cooberrie Brigade and has provided exemplary leadership during multiple fire events in the local area as both an Incident Controller and Operations Officer, and has deployed to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to assist during the 2020 bushfires.
Mr Scott has a strong drive and determination to improve operational capability through training volunteers.
He sees training as an opportunity to build resilience and develop future leaders of the fire service.
Mr Scott started training volunteers in his local brigade and community more than 30 years ago.
His passion for training and education has brought together local brigades and volunteers to enhance skills and build comradery, develop leadership and build trust amongst crews and brigades.
Mr Scott continues to train new and existing volunteers within his local brigade and other brigades in the Rockhampton area.
He supports the members to enhance and develop their skills to ensure their safety in every job they attend.
He encourages and supports new members in their journey with the Rural Fire Service.