June 14: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Chief Superintendents Brad Commens and Tony Johnstone have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to disaster response on this year’s Queens Birthday Honours List.
Mr Commens has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his leadership and commitment to enhancing QFES’ reputation and operational capability while Mr Johnstone received his for his leadership, policy work and command and coordination during times of disaster.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan congratulated Mr Commens and Mr Johnstone on their achievements and efforts to improve disaster operations.
“Receiving an AFSM is an extremely high honour, and I congratulate Brad and Tony on this outstanding achievement,” Mr Ryan said.
“Brad has been instrumental in developing Queensland’s international response capability which has seen him lead advancements in standards for rescue team accreditation and coordination for the United Nations.
“Queensland is recognised around the world for its work in disaster response and Brad’s leadership and commitment to improving global standards is one of the reasons why QFES is held in such high regard.”
Mr Ryan said Mr Johnstone had played an integral role for the RFS in Queensland and as a leader during Queensland’s natural disasters.