Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Fire Fighters Recognized for Service in Australia

  • Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

May 7, 2021

Four Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture forest fire fighting personnel have been awarded the New South Wales Premier’s Brushfire Emergency Citation for their role in assisting with the response effort to battle unprecedented brushfires in Australia during 2019 and 2020.

The recipients include:

  • Mark Lawlor, Supervisor of Industry Services, Corner Brook
  • Matthew Wells, Conservation Officer, Lewisporte
  • Darren Jennings, Ecosystem Management Ecologist, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
  • Joe Russell, Wildland Fire Training Specialist (Retired), Corner Brook

Each individual answered the call for help from Australian authorities by volunteering to join a team of professionals from other parts of Canada, where they were strategically deployed throughout New South Wales. They performed a variety of duties, including assisting with incident management command, aviation, planning, logistics and operations.

The awards were established in September 2020 by New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian for the thousands of volunteers and emergency services personnel who put their safety on the line to protect lives and properties.

The New South Wales Bushfire Emergency Citation is a meaningful commemoration that expresses gratitude, while symbolizing camaraderie and teamwork during challenging times. The citation recognizes those who served both on the front line and behind the scenes.

Quote
“I wish to extend congratulations to each Newfoundland and Labrador recipient for being acknowledged with such a prestigious award. We are proud of their accomplishments, the professionalism exemplified and their selfless decision to step up and help the people of Australia during such a challenging and unprecedented time.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more

Province Answers Call for Support to Fight Australian Wildfires

Minister Byrne Acknowledges Efforts of Fire Staff in Australia

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

2021 05 07 2:00 pm