Queen's Birthday Honours for St Marys Fire Officer
Published: 14th June 2011
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins today congratulated Station Officer John Tapper of St Marys Fire Station on being named in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.Station Officer Tapper was one of only three FRNSW recipients of the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
Commissioner Mullins said Station Officer Tapper had devoted his career to dealing with complex hazardous materials emergencies and training other fire and rescue officers in the use of high-tech detectors and other specialised equipment.
“Station Officer Tapper has dedicated 35 of his 37 years in FRNSW to the specialist field of breathing apparatus and hazardous materials management,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“He has attended thousands of hazardous materials emergencies during his long career, where his skills, knowledge and ingenuity have proved invaluable and have ensured the safety of emergency service personnel and the public.
“Station Officer Tapper is highly regarded amongst his peers and other emergency services for his immense knowledge, interest and dedication in this highly specialised and demanding field.
“His distinguished service has been of the highest order.”
Station Officer Tapper was appointed to the NSW Fire Brigades, now Fire and Rescue NSW, in February 1974 and has provided nearly four decades of outstanding service to the people of NSW.
“These awards are Australia’s way of thanking the recipients – along with all the members of our emergency services - for their hard work and commitment to serving our community,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“None of our firefighters perform these roles for public recognition but the contribution they make to protecting our community deserves our gratitude.”