Three Fire and Rescue NSW officers have been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in Australia Day Honours.
The recipients of the top emergency service recognition include Superintendent Gregory Houston, Station Officer Samuel Parkhouse and Grafton Captain Garry Reardon.
Exceptional Bravery
The Australian Fire Service Medal is one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive.
Established in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal is one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive.
The medal is awarded to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service, initiative and performance during their careers well beyond the normal expectations of a person in their position.
The medals are awarded on Australia Day and the King’s birthday holiday each year by the Governor-General, on recommendation of Commonwealth and State ministers.
Aviation Pioneer
Superintendent Gregory Houston during his 35-year career, Superintendent Gregory Houston of Stanwell Park has demonstrated unwavering commitment, selflessness, compassion and dedication to firefighting, community safety and mentoring future pioneers within the organisation.
Superintendent Houston was FRNSW’s first aviation officer and worked with NSW Police’s Air Wing to enhance the fire service’s Counter Terrorism capability, played a vital role in improving and expanding FRNSW’s Urban Search and Rescue competences, and deployed to various natural disasters including the Thredbo landslide, Christchurch earthquake and Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu.
Community Commitment
Committed to maintaining FRNSW’s culture and tradition, in 2022 Superintendent Houston was instrumental in re-establishing the NSW Fire Brigades RSL sub-Branch of which he currently holds the position of President.
He has also led the FRNSW Ceremonial Team, served as a Peer Support Officer, is a former committee member of the FRNSW Relief and Welfare Fund, and is a current Board Member of the Museum of Fire. He mentors officers and firefighters, creating close bonds and playing a crucial role in upholding FRNSW’s values and service to the NSW community.
During his career, Superintendent Houston has been awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal; National Emergency Medal; National Medal; Australian Defence Medal; Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service; Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service; NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation; NZ Government Canterbury Earthquake Citation; NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; a Letter of Commendation from the Royal Humane Society of NSW and a Commissioner’s Letter of Appreciation in 2001.
Resilience Through Experience
Station Officer Samuel Parkhouse Since joining FRNSW in 2006, Station Officer Samuel Parkhouse of Seven Hills has been dedicated to serving the community of NSW in the specialist areas of Rescue, and Urban Search and Rescue.
Having witnessed firsthand the effects of traumatic incidents and the risk of psychological injury to firefighters through their exposure at disasters such as 2015 Dungog floods, 2017 Cyclone Debbie, 2022 Northern Rivers Floods, 2019/20 Bushfires, and the aftermath of the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake.
Station Officer Parkhouse set out to create a firefighter-centric and holistic approach to assist mental health treatment, enabling effective integration back to the workplace.
Wellness Summit Initiative
Station Officer Parkhouse developed and implemented the FRNSW Wellness Summit, an innovative and ground-breaking mental health support program with the intent of providing evidence-based trauma support which was specifically tailored to meet the unique needs – and nature – of firefighters.
He devoted over 12 months of his own time researching and planning this concept, meeting with practitioners and trialing various practices.
The summit was piloted in 2022 and presented an innovative and ground-breaking mental health support program which has since been recognised by other emergency services and government agencies across the country.
Service Awards
During his career, Station Officer Parkhouse has been awarded; National Emergency Medal; National Medal; Unit Citation for 2019/20 NSW Bushfire Emergency; Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service; Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service; NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation: FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; a Commissioner’s Letter of Appreciation; Premier’s Bushfire Citation; and a Commissioners Safety Award.
Volunteer Spirit
Captain Garry Reardon Captain Garry Reardon initially joined FRNSW in Grafton in 1983 and undertook the role of a volunteer firefighter for eight years. He resigned in 1991 due to family and education commitments but rejoined in 1998 and has faithfully served FRNSW and his local community ever since.
Crisis Management Expertise
Appointed Captain in 2009, Garry has supported, deployed and led his firefighters in many local natural disasters including the Clarence River Floods of 2009, 2011 and 2013, the 2017 Cyclone Debbie response, 2021 Port Macquire Hasting River Floods, the 2019/2020 Bushfires, and most recently, 2022 Lismore floods.
Excellence in Fire Safety
His pioneership over many years has ensured his firefighters focus on community safety
Captain Reardon’s care and compassion extends to ensuring his community is safer from the impacts of fire. His pioneership over many years has ensured his firefighters focus on community safety driven education to many at-risk groups in and surrounding Grafton.
Aside from his firefighting duties, Captain Reardon has trained and mentored cyclists at Grafton Cycle Club since 1985, volunteered at Woolgoolga Surf Club, played and umpired cricket at local and district levels as well as coached the local women’s hockey team.
During his career, Captain Reardon has been awarded the National Medal, Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service; NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation and the FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Honouring Bravery
Quotes attributable to Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell “I congratulate the three recipients on being recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours. It is a tremendous achievement to be recognised in this manner.
“I am extremely proud our people have been acknowledged for their professionalism, commitment and courage in their careers.
“Each of the recipients of this prestigious medal has demonstrated an exceptional level of service to FRNSW and their local communities for many years.
“Whether it’s contributing to improving fire safety, mentoring and supporting other firefighters, spearheading change or developing better and safer equipment and response capabilities, each of these officers has made an invaluable contribution to FRNSW and the people of NSW.”
