A retained, or on-call, firefighter with FRNSW for 30 years, and Captain of Wellington Fire Station since 1997, Captain Moroneyhas been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).

The AFSM is the highest honour an Australian firefighter can receive and Captain Moroney is one of only three FRNSW officers awarded the prestigious medal in today’s honours.

FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins congratulated Captain Moroney on the well-deserved recognition.

“Captain Moroney’s passion for firefighting started when, as a small boy, he lived in the residence above Wellington Fire Station, watching his father in the role of Captain of Wellington Fire Brigade,” Commissioner Mullins said.

“Mark joined the Wellington Brigade in February 1986. He immediately became a vital member of the ‘Wellington Boots’ firefighter championship team and has successfully competed at regional and state firefighter championships.

“Captain Moroney has devoted considerable time and effort to advancing the skills of retained firefighters in Wellington and regional NSW. He was involved in the establishment of the FRNSW Regional Training Centre at Wellington, where he now works as manager, delivering skills training to firefighters and other emergency services personnel.

“His outstanding leadership qualities are readily acknowledged in the broader emergency services community. He is a vital member of the Wellington Local Emergency Management Committee, Local Rescue Committee and the Bush Fire Emergency Management Committee.

“Captain Moroney has served FRNSW and his community with pride and distinction for 30 years and is a worthy recipient of this award,” Commissioner Mullins said. Captain Moroney will be presented with his AFSM by the NSW Governor at a ceremony later in the year.