Wollongong Station Officer the Pride of FRNSW
Published: 9th May 2011
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins today congratulated Wollongong Station Officer Tony Camilleri who won the paid emergency services worker of the year award at the inaugural Pride of the Illawarra Awards on Friday night.SO Camilleri was one of four Illawarra FRNSW finalists in the awards, a Combined Rotary Clubs of the Illawarra initiative designed to recognise the efforts of paid and volunteer emergency services workers in the region.
Commissioner Mullins said SO Camilleri had served the Illawarra community and FRNSW for 24 years.
"FRNSW is extremely proud of the hard work and commitment of one of our most dedicated senior fire and rescue officers and that he has been recognised with such a prestigious award," he said.
"Station Officer Camilleri commands a number of specialist fire and rescue trucks and his duties have included taking charge at fires and hazardous materials, rescue and other emergency incidents across the Wollongong Local Government Area.
"He also works tirelessly within the local community on safety and fire prevention activities targeting local schools, the elderly and the disabled."
Commissioner Mullins said Station Officer Camilleri was also responsible for the design and delivery of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) skills training across the Illawarra. These skills are used in FRNSW's building collapse work.
"He has a long history and significant experience with rescue response and training and is highly regarded for his expertise," he said.
"Station Officer Camilleri is also well known for his humble nature and for his efforts in raising money for prominent charities. He recently cycled across Australia to raise money for Camp Quality."
The other three FRNSW award finalists were Captain Kenneth Lawrence, Deputy Captain Alfred Refalo and Retained Firefighter Rachel Cooper.
"My congratulations go to all FRNSW nominees from the Illawarra region," Commissioner Mullins said.
"I also want to congratulate David Bere, from the State Emergency Service, who won the volunteer emergency services officer of the year award."