A fire captain’s 45-year commitment to protecting people and mentoring firefighters in the Bingara area has been recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours.
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Captain John Gill has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), the highest honour an Australian firefighter can receive.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Acting Commissioner Jim Hamilton congratulated Captain Gill, who is one of three FRNSW firefighters to be awarded the prestigious medal in today’s honours.
“Captain Gill has played a critical role in transforming Bingara Fire Station into a modern-day emergency service, leading our response to fires and other emergencies and dedicating countless hours to recruiting and mentoring new retained firefighters,” said Acting Commissioner Hamilton.
Joining FRNSW as a retained firefighter in 1972, Captain Gill was promoted to the position of Captain at Bingara Fire Station in 2002.
His commitment to a smoke alarm battery replacement program for the elderly has helped enhance community safety in Bingara and surrounding areas.
“A prevention activity initiated by Captain Gill helped save the life of a local resident with mobility issues in December 2013,” said Acting Commissioner Hamilton.
“The smoke alarm fitted and maintained by Captain Gill and his crew alerted the resident to a fire in the kitchen and this was instrumental in saving his life.
“He has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a proactive commitment to fire safety over more than 45 years of service and he is a most worthy recipient of this Australia Day Honour.”
Captain Gill will be presented with his AFSM at a ceremony later in the year.
