David Balfour’s wife Celia and three children Alison, Daniel and Frances at their hero father’s funeral (Daily Telegraph).
Thirty-six emergency service personnel are today being recognised for their dedication to keeping the Canberra community safe with the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medal.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the ceremony was an opportunity to remember first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Today we honour Senior Firefighter David Balfour who was killed in the line of duty helping the citizens of Victoria during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires,” Minister Gentleman said.
“I thank the Balfour family for accepting the National Medal and allowing the firefighting community to honour David’s legacy.
“This is the first time it has been awarded posthumously and Dave will forever be remembered for his commitment to protecting the community through firefighting.”
More than 400 firefighters gathered with family and friends in Canberra to farewell their colleague David Balfour who was killed in the Victorian bushfires.
Mr Balfour, 46, was the only firefighter to be killed while on duty during the Victorian bushfires.
The National Medal acknowledges the long service and dedication of those who have served with ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Rural Fire Service or ACT State Emergency Service.
The ESA Long Services Medal acknowledges the long service and dedication by staff and volunteers within the ACT Emergency Services Agency who served the community during times of crisis.
ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan says the National Medal and ESA Long Service Medal recognises the sacrifice emergency personnel play in the protection of life, property, and the environment.
“The awards recipients have gone above and beyond in their chosen fields and Canberra is lucky to have people of this calibre making a difference in our community,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“Today we also thank the families, friends and employers of our medal recipients, we understand that behind our personnel is a whole team of people supporting them.
“Once again, congratulations and thank you to the award recipients from all services of the ACTESA who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the Canberra community is cared for and protected.”
