((L-R) Chief Officer, Operations, Tim Wiebusch; Roy Kennedy ESM; Governor-General of Australia, David John Hurley, AC, DSC, FTSE)

Congratulations to our latest Emergency Services Medal (ESM) recipient, Mr Roy Kennedy, of whom we - as a service - could not be more proud.

Mr Roy Kennedy has tirelessly supported and contributed to the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and the wider community, for over 12 years, not only as a dedicated volunteer but as a leader within the Bright VICSES unit along with surrounding VICSES units.

Mr Kennedy has always placed VICSES as a high priority in his life. He has relied on the support of his workplace and of his family to prioritise the readiness of his local VICSES to respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. His entire community - and the entire state - benefits from their sacrifice.

As evident with numerous emergency events, such as the water rescue of a 16-year-old in fast flowing water, locating missing bushwalkers in the Mount Buffalo area, or on a working group to lead and implement best practices to assist paragliders when they are in need of rescue; Mr Kennedy plays an important leadership role. He has exemplified leadership, direction, emotional guidance and support to others, and assisted in operational support to the Bright community and beyond.

Mr Kennedy's dedication and commitment towards his chosen field of assisting the community shows the passion that is well respected amongst his peers and regional staff. His continued sacrifice of personal time, over an extended period, is over and above what is expected of a volunteer.

The Emergency Services Medal was instituted in 1999 to recognise those who have rendered distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.

The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon features a centre band of an orange and white checkerboard pattern, flanked on each outer edge by a royal blue band. 

The central motif of the Emergency Services Medal is a raised triangle  with bevelled edges, fringed by stylised sprays of wattle.

Inset in silver and bronze, the centre of the triangle features a raised impression of the Federation Star that is surrounded by twenty-four spheres, to represent the hours the day our emergency services are available.

Emergency Services Medal (photo credit: Governor General of Australia)