- Three Perth emergency services personnel awarded nationally recognised medals
- Awards acknowledge outstanding service, training, and leadership
A volunteer firefighter and two senior Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) personnel have been recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List for their remarkable commitment to protecting the community.
Two Australian Fire Service Medals (AFSM) and an Emergency Services Medal (ESM) were awarded to three Western Australians who have made a positive and lasting impact on their local community.
The full list of recipients can be found at .
2023 Australian Fire Service Medal recipients:
- Robert Alteri – has attended more than 4,600 incidents in his 44 years as a volunteer firefighter. He has played an integral role in strengthening the working relationship between volunteer and career firefighters, notably the introduction of a joint career and volunteer fire station in Armadale. Mr Alteri also implemented a new training program to boost the skills of volunteer firefighters; and
- Michael Gillham – began his career at DFES in 1989 and has since dedicated his efforts to mentoring future generations of firefighters. He has led dozens of recruits through the Trainee Fire Fighter School and was instrumental in establishing a new Station Officer Training School. He was deployed to the significant De Grey bushfire near Port Hedland in 2021 and to New South Wales as part of a WA contingent in 2020.
2023 Emergency Services Medal recipient:
- Stephen Summerton – has worn many emergency services hats over the past few decades, working as a volunteer firefighter, State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, and DFES District Officer for natural hazards. He continually gives volunteers the confidence and resources to excel. This was highlighted through the implementation of an annual regional exercise for SES units to collectively train, share ideas, and network in a simulated environment.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“On behalf of the Western Australian community I would like to congratulate Robert, Michael and Stephen on this extraordinary achievement.
“It is fantastic to see their incredible work acknowledged in the King’s Birthday Honours List as their selflessness, dedication and excellence is something to be celebrated.
“They are champions in their field and are among an elite group of emergency services personnel.
“Their outstanding efforts have contributed to the ongoing safety of Western Australians as we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.”
