Firefighters honoured for decades of service on King’s Birthday
Published: 08 Jun 2026 08:20am
Three Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) officers’ years of distinguished service have been recognised today in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Captain Paul Cavalier, Station Officer Robert Lightfoot and Station Officer Peta Miller, who share nearly 70 years of experience between them, have been awarded the highest honour bestowed on Australian firefighters, the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
The prestigious accolade has acknowledged the exceptional service of paid and volunteer firefighters across the country since 1988.
The medals are awarded on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday holiday each year by the Governor-General, following recommendations from Commonwealth and State ministers.
Captain Paul Cavalier, Gulgong
Captain Cavalier joined FRNSW in 2005 at just 17. Showing exceptional leadership at a young age, he became one of the youngest firefighters appointed to the rank of captain by FRNSW a year later.
Alongside two decades of service as a firefighter, Captain Cavalier served as a Councillor on the Mid-Western Regional Council for 12 years and Deputy Mayor for five.
Widely recognised for his mentorship and ability to drive positive change, the veteran has achieved significant advancements at Gulgong Fire Station, and his local community.
Some of those advancements include securing a remotely piloted aircraft system, introducing a fire booster system for training, advocating for the installation of a rehabilitation vehicle, and influencing changes to the standard design for fire stations which are used right across NSW.
Captain Cavalier has also fostered strong interagency relationships, managed the successful transition to a new fire station and positively affected community preparedness and promoted FRNSW capabilities across NSW through proactive social media use.
Station Officer Peta Miller, Manly
Station Officer Miller began her service with FRNSW in 2005.
She gained advanced qualifications in rescue and ladder platform operations during a decade-long stint at City of Sydney Fire Station and served as a Hazmat Technician at Forestville and Manly stations.
Station Officer Miller has remained actively involved in complex operational roles, particularly in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
In 2011, she represented the fire service at the Australasian and World Road Rescue Challenges in Wellington and, in 2018, played an instrumental role in the Australian and New Zealand USAR taskforce deployed to Tonga following Tropical Cyclone Gita.
Station Officer Miller also represented FRNSW at multiple international exercises and served as a board member of the agency’s Relief and Welfare Fund, supporting firefighters and families through hardship.
She is recognised for her leadership, technical expertise, consistent mentorship of women in the fire service, and commitment to wellbeing and professional standards.
Station Officer Robert Lightfoot, Engadine
Since joining FRNSW in 1998, Station Officer Lightfoot has served at several stations throughout Sydney’s south, progressing into education and training roles.
In 2012, Station Officer Lightfoot was appointed as the team leader of firefighter development within Command Leadership Management.
The leader has been a mentor and advocate during his 14 years in the role, tirelessly championing improvements across FRNSW’s promotional programs.
His hands-on support and care for participants have been instrumental in helping countless firefighters successfully navigate the demanding and high-pressure processes.
Station Officer Lightfoot’s sustained devotion to the professional development of others, coupled with his selfless service to FRNSW and its workforce, exemplifies the highest ideals of the Australian fire services.
Quotes attributed to Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib:
“I’d like to thank Paul, Peta and Robert for their decades of service with FRNSW and their ongoing commitment to the people of this state.
“This well-deserved award honours their steadfast efforts to not only protect others but to help improve the fire service they represent.
“The firefighters being honoured today have done themselves, their communities and FRNSW proud.
Quotes attributed to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:
“I congratulate Captain Cavalier, Station Officer Miller and Station Officer Lightfoot on receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal, the highest honour awarded to firefighters in this country.
“The prestigious medal recognises the leadership, professionalism, expertise and dedication of our people.
“I acknowledge the high standard they set for our organisation.
Updated: 08 Jun 2026 10:06am