When emergencies strike, local first responders are often among the first to help. Whether fighting fires, rescuing people at sea, responding to natural disasters or keeping our streets safe, they work to protect lives, often without seeking recognition.
Six first responders from the region were recently recognised at the annual First Responders Awards, honouring their service to the community.
Graham King, Group Officer of the Stanley River Rural Fire Brigade Group, has volunteered for 43 years. Inspired by his father, Graham initially joined the rural fire brigade to protect his family’s property and neighbouring farms. He said that while he received the award, it wasn’t just about him.
“The award really goes to all the volunteers out on the front line because without them we wouldn’t survive,” Graham said.
At Caboolture Fire Station, Senior Firefighter Mark Paton has spent 22 years helping people through some of their toughest moments. He said firefighting was about teamwork, where they learn from each other, and everyone brings something to the table.
“If I got an award for being a good firefighter, it’s because I work with a good team of firefighters,” he said.
Local Hero Stories, Emergency Rescue Accounts, and Service Honours
Senior Constable Brayden Tucker from Kilcoy Police Station said he takes great pride in keeping communities safe and building positive relationships with the people he serves every day.
“What I find most rewarding is serving in these small country towns, where you get to know people on a personal level and can make a genuine difference in their lives,” Brayden said.
SES Field Operations Member Wendy Shaw remembers helping an elderly woman during flooding in Rockhampton. With her husband living with dementia, the woman was struggling to prepare their home as he repeatedly unpacked her belongings.
Wendy said the relief on the woman’s face when volunteers arrived had stayed with her.
“You can’t explain to people how good it feels when you do something for somebody,” she said.
Marine Rescue Queensland Deputy Unit Commander Allan Tranter joined MRQ in 2011. He described one memorable rescue involving three sailors stranded in a tiny inflatable dinghy after their yacht began sinking off Moreton Island at night. Allan and his crew brought everyone safely ashore.
He said that receiving the First Responder of the Year award was quite a surprise and very humbling.
“At MRQ Bribie Island, we all do what we do, not for the recognition, but for the knowledge that if not for our organisation, lives would have and will be lost,” Allan said. “Saving lives at sea is our motto and it’s what we do well.”
The Lions Clubs of Morayfield & District and Caboolture North and the Rotary Club of Caboolture have organised the First Responders Dinner since 2015, recognising the contributions of local emergency services volunteers and personnel.
Read more stories from The Caboolture Guide print magazine here:
- Caboolture Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: The Pub Quiz Pod
- The Fox
- The Calm Before the Storms: What Jobs to Tackle Now
- Get Hands-On at Gaming and Hobby Expo
- Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon Unicolor
- Organic Gardening in November
- Thank Your Teacher With a Thoughtful Gift
- The Black Death Comes to the Abbey After Dark
- Caboolture Community Choir Seeks New Musical Director
- New Chapter for Caboolture Sports Club
- A Tasty Night Out at Caboolture Food Fest
- Become a Citizen Scientist
- Caboolture’s First Council Chambers
- Bringing the Spirit of Aussie Rock to the Stage
- Blood Cancer Support House Opens its Doors
- Caboolture Debuts New Outdoor And Lifestyle Expo
- Young Creatives Step Into the Spotlight
- American Baseballer Ready to Make His Mark with Narangba Demons
