Today’s Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council memorial service – the first since the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire season – honoured the courage and sacrifice of fire and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

The event was held at the National Emergency Service Memorial on Rond Terrace, Anzac Parade.

Mick Gentleman, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said the service was a reminder of emergency services’ critical role and their commitment to keeping our communities safe.

“This memorial service recognises the sacrifices emergency personnel make when protecting life, property, and the environment. Our emergency service personnel risk their lives to protect our communities knowing the dangers involved,” Mr Gentleman said.

The memorial service acknowledged six Australian firefighters and three American aerial firefighters who died during the fires.

Twelve more names were engraved on the Memorial Wall from NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry SA, and the NT Fire and Rescue Service.

Each of their families received an AFAC Memorial Medallion.

ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said the service was a tribute to the 578 families who had lost a loved one, and a time for the community to reflect and pay their respects to our emergency services personnel.

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