Long serving State Emergency Service (SES) member and Western Downs Local Controller Kevin Mizen has been recognised for his leadership and years of dedication to the service, receiving the Australia Day Achievement Award at a ceremony held in Toowoomba.

SES Acting Regional Manager John Harrison said Mr Mizen’s dedication to the service was epitomized over the last year, when he led an initiative to in combine seven individual SES groups in the area to create the Western Downs SES group.

“Through his drive and determination, Kevin has transformed the Western Downs SES Unit into a single, dedicated volunteer force that has dealt with some major storm events over the last six months,” Mr Harrison said.

“His continuous drive and dedication has seen this unit trained to meet the multiple requirements of SES operations, benefiting Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), SES and, in particular, the Western Downs community.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Australia Day Achievement Award was one of the highest individual acknowledgements of service to our community.

“Every day our staff and volunteers are ready to assist when called upon and while they don’t do it for awards or accolades, they thoroughly deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication,” Ms Carroll said.

“Their professionalism, selflessness and skills see them respond to some of the most terrifying situations, including road crashes, floods, fires and rescue operations.

“They are true leaders in their field, mentors to their colleagues and dedicated to continued development and training to ensure staff, volunteers and the community are well prepared and informed during times of crisis.

“Being an emergency worker is a challenging but rewarding task and I thank everyone recognised today for their commitment to helping all Queenslanders.

“I would also like to thank QSuper for its ongoing generous support of the Australia Day Achievement Awards.”

Submitted by:
QFES Media