FRV firefighter recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

The service and dedication of a Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighter has been recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal in today’s 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) is the highest award for a member of an Australian fire service and is awarded to a select group of outstanding members each year.

Today’s award is presented to Leading Firefighter (LFF) Peter Shroder, recognising his long-standing commitment to health and safety and his efforts to improve outcomes for firefighters.

Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Joshua Fischer said LFF Shroder’s dedication and contribution to positive health and safety outcomes reflects the many meaningful and enduring contributions FRV firefighters make to their colleagues and community.

“On behalf of everyone at FRV, I sincerely congratulate LFF Shroder on achieving this significant and well-deserved milestone, in recognition of his distinguished service and commitment to the wellbeing of others,” Acting Commissioner Fischer said.

Leading Firefighter Peter Shroder

LFF Peter Shroder began his firefighting career with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 2007 and now serves with FRV.

With nearly two decades on the fireground, LFF Shroder has worked in a range of hazardous frontline roles across Victoria, responding to complex structural fires, hazardous materials incidents, large-scale industrial fires and major bushfires.

LFF Shroder is a frontline firefighter and serves as a health and safety representative for FRV’s Western District 2, where he is widely respected for his leadership in firefighter health and wellbeing.

He has made an outstanding contribution to firefighter safety through his vision, persistence and action in the field of occupational health.

For 11 years he has led the research, advocacy and implementation of diesel exhaust extraction systems throughout FRV fire stations, a project that directly addresses the long-term cancer risk associated with diesel particulate exposure.

In addition, LFF Shroder contributed to a landmark health and safety model, known as FRV Health, that will protect thousands of firefighters now and into the future.

He has also been a driving force behind the reform of FRV’s fireground decontamination procedures, championing improved practices to reduce the risk of toxic contaminant exposure.

Through LFF Shroder’s efforts, FRV has adopted a more proactive and scientifically informed approach to post-incident hygiene, enhancing both crew safety and organisational culture.

His work has transformed long-standing practices and created safer, healthier workplaces for current and future generations of firefighters.

Through distinguished frontline service and a career defined by innovation and care for others, LFF Shroder has served the community of Victoria with unwavering dedication and distinction.

-ENDS-

FRV Media: 1300 173 744 media@frv.vic.gov.au