Media notes - Meritorious

AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
Mr Michael Patrick WHITTY, Springfield Vic 3434
Mr Whitty has provided distinguished service, leadership and dedication; particularly in
establishing the Firefighters Charity Fund to provide a coordinated approach to fundraising
within the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) that focuses on the support of external charities,
particularly in the areas of children's health, burns treatment and cancer research, and a
legacy fund that assists firefighters and their families when they are placed under financial
stress due to the costs of serious medical treatments. In addition, Mr Whitty has
demonstrated initiative and innovation in driving change in the MFB with his research and
implementation of advanced applications and techniques for the use of thermal imagery as a
primary tool for combating fire and emergency incidents. His drive and enthusiasm in this
initiative has made a significant contribution to the overall improvement in the operational
effectiveness, efficiency and safety of general firefighting practices within the MFB and the
Country Fire Authority in Victoria.
Queensland
Mr Ian Aubrey AMES, 6 Victor Street, Birkdale Qld 4159
Mr Ames has provided outstanding dedication, commitment and expertise to advancing Road
Crash Rescue operational service delivery and training within the Queensland Fire
and Emergency Services (QFES) at a regional and State levelfor 34 years. Mr Ames has
contributed by improving operational performance at station level through his contribution to
appliance design and fit-out, and in various training roles including improving training and
skills maintenance programs. He has also participated in various Road Crash Rescue
Challenge teams representing the QFES at local, State and national levels for over 14years.
Mr Ames continues to demonstrate his dedication and commitment to Road Crash Rescue
through leadership and mentoring of firefighters to improve their skills and personal ability. He
is regarded as an 'expert in the field' and is held in very high regard by all his emergency
services colleagues.
Awards/recognition include:
Australian Sports Medal, 2000.
Mr Kenneth BEASLEY, 5 Almora Place, Annandale Qld 4814
Mr Beasley's dedication and exemplary leadership qualities have transformed Rural
Operations in Northern Region. As the Regional Manager Rural Operations, he has driven
Bushfire Regional Interdepartmental committees ensuring a collaborative approach between
the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, State, federal and local Government agencies
in support of the community. He has been particularly instrumental in the development of
hazard mitigation systems and processes which have since been adopted State-wide.
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