FRV firefighters recognised in the Australia Day Honours List

The service and dedication of FRV firefighters has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List today.

FRV Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Brad Quinn and Commander Wayne Rigg join firefighters from across Australia who have been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in recognition for their outstanding service to the community.

The AFSM medal is awarded twice a year to acknowledge distinguished service by members of Australian fire and rescue services.

Between them, the veteran firefighters have more than 55 years’ distinguished experience under their belts.

ACFO Quinn’s passion for driving change through creative and innovative approaches to ensure a safer workplace and improve firefighter health, safety and wellbeing has seen him lead FRV’s response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Commander Rigg’s dedication to improve aviation programs and capability within Victoria has resulted in some of the most significant changes over the last decade in the way aircraft are dispatched and used operationally to protect communities.

Wayne’s influence and leadership in gender diversity has also been integral to the development of women in the aviation sector. His mentoring and support has seen an increased number of women in the sector and greater gender representation across a range of roles.

Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block welcomed the news and congratulated recipients on their well-deserved honour.

“The Australian Fire Services Medal is a prestigious and respected award and it’s fantastic to see our firefighters’ efforts and service to the community recognised in this capacity today, Commissioner Block said. “ACFO Quinn and Commander Rigg have not only demonstrated exceptional ability and dedicated service to the community over many years, but they have played an integral role in the enhancement of our organisation.

“Their commitment to making Victoria and FRV a safer and better place is something we can all draw inspiration from.”

ACFO Brad Quinn

ACFO Quinn has dedicated his 32-year career in the fire and rescue service to the development of firefighters and the health, safety and wellbeing of others.

Brad is passionate about driving change through creative and innovative approaches to implementing new technology, equipment and systems, to ensure a safer workplace and improve firefighter health, safety and wellbeing.

Since March 2020, he has led FRV’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership, advocacy and commitment to remain agile under the Chief Health Officer directions, has ensured FRV has continued to deliver its vital services to the community during this challenging time.

Read Brad’s full citation here.

Commander Wayne Rigg

Commander Rigg’s exceptional performance goes far above and beyond his regular role. He has been instrumental in establishing an Australian first; the Night Fire Suppression Operations Program and the Pre-determined dispatch (PDD) program, along with a range of other aviation initiatives.

Wayne’s influence and leadership in gender diversity has been integral to the development of women in the aviation sector. His mentoring and support has seen an increased number of women in the sector and greater gender representation across a range of roles.

Wayne has significantly contributed to the fire and emergency aviation sector through the development of programs that enhance our operational response and improve safety for both firefighters, and the wider community. Read Wayne’s full citation here.