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Seven emergency services officers were honoured last Friday for going above and beyond the call of duty.
The third annual Pride of the Illawarra Emergency Services Officers of the Year Awards were announced at a gala dinner at University of Wollongong Hall, attended by 400 guests.
Wollongong police officer Sergeant Robert Minns and Oak Flats Rural Fire Service deputy captain Sandra Huer picked up the major awards – paid officer and volunteer officer respectively – as well as winning their categories.
The other category winners were Wollongong extended care paramedic Peter Cribbs (Ambulance Service of NSW), Wollongong station commander Andrew Erlik (Fire and Rescue NSW), Lake Illawarra boat skipper Christopher Bowers (Marine Rescue NSW), Australian Aerial Patrol operations co-ordinator Wayne Perry (NSW Volunteer Rescue Association) and Kiama unit deputy local controller John Wall (SES).
The Pride of the Illawarra Awards are run by the Rotary Clubs of the Illawarra to celebrate the achievements of emergency services personnel, in particular officers whose community service has gone above and beyond.
Public nominations were sought earlier in the year with finalists and winners selected by independent judges drawn from Rotary.
Sergeant Minns paid tribute to his superiors, colleagues, mentors and family.
“The job has been good to me and my family,’’ he
said.
“I enjoy the taking care of people – the welfare side. It’s a good job, it’s a hard job at times as are all emergency services jobs.’’
NSW Governor and awards patron Marie Bashir said the Rotary motto ‘‘Service Above Self’’ epitomised the splendid ideals upheld in the awards.
Rotary District 9765 governor Garry Browne said the awards had been such a success that Rotary would expand the concept statewide next year.
‘‘Congratulations to Dot Hennessy and her team for creating such a worthwhile event,’’ he said.