Firefighters awarded in King’s Birthday Honours for service in New South Wales

Recognition of firefighters announced by Fire and Rescue NSW

Four Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) firefighters have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their service to fire safety and community resilience.

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, Captain Edwin Gray, Chief Superintendent Steven Hayes, and Station Officer Mark Porter have received the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), while Assistant Commissioner Michael Morris has received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) alongside his wife, Jo-ann.

The medals were awarded by the Governor-General on the advice of federal and state ministers.

The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.

The Medal of the Order of Australia is awarded for service to the community and national achievement.

Long-standing leadership and community focus of Captain Edwin Gray

Fire and Rescue NSW stated that Captain Edwin Gray joined the organisation in 1994 and has served the Tenterfield community for over 30 years.

He was promoted to Captain in 2010 and has led Tenterfield Fire Station since, with a focus on operational performance, bushfire response, and public engagement.

The organisation noted that Captain Gray played a key role during the 2019–20 bushfires and has supported the Home Fire Safety Visit Program and local events such as the fire station centenary.

He has also contributed to public safety in other ways, including mentoring junior firefighters and assisting in his community as a school bus driver.

Fire and Rescue NSW said his actions reflect sustained service beyond his core duties.

Chief Superintendent Hayes commended for leadership during emergencies

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, Chief Superintendent Steven Hayes began his fire service career in 1990 and has served across multiple stations including Liverpool and Macquarie Fields.

He currently leads the Fire Safety Directorate and regularly attends incidents to provide operational oversight.

The organisation reported that Chief Superintendent Hayes was involved in responses to major emergencies including the 2019–20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also said he was seconded to NSW State Emergency Service during the 2020–21 floods and coordinated support in flood-affected regions.

His work with Sydney Metro and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator was described by Fire and Rescue NSW as instrumental in developing emergency access strategies for the expanded rail network.

Station Officer Porter recognised for national fire safety contributions

Station Officer Mark Porter has served in the fire service since 1983, according to Fire and Rescue NSW.

He currently works in the Fire Safety Policy Unit, where his responsibilities include regulatory development and technical standards assessment.

The organisation said Station Officer Porter contributed to Australian standards related to fire hydrants, sprinkler systems and firefighting water storage.

He played a role in revising AS2419.1, the national standard for hydrant systems, which Fire and Rescue NSW said directly influences equipment design and deployment.

It stated that his involvement extends to national committees through the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council.

Assistant Commissioner Morris and Jo-ann Morris awarded for public advocacy

Assistant Commissioner Michael Morris and his wife Jo-ann were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for their work in health advocacy and community support.

Fire and Rescue NSW explained that they founded the Samuel Morris Foundation in 2007 following a non-fatal drowning incident involving their son.

The foundation’s efforts led to legislative change in water safety, as reported by the organisation.

Assistant Commissioner Morris has held roles in FRNSW and advocacy positions in paediatric health and disability support.

According to the organisation, their personal experiences shaped campaigns for improved services for families caring for people with disabilities.

The OAM award recognises both of their sustained efforts in charitable and public health initiatives.

Government and agency leaders comment on recognition

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: “While we’re recognising King’s Birthday Honours recipients today, I want to acknowledge all the FRNSW staff who work tirelessly to keep NSW communities safe all year round.

“In the past few weeks, we’ve seen FRNSW crews once again answer the call to support local communities, in response to the devastating Mid North Coast floods.

“I’ve witnessed this exceptional work first-hand, and I’m grateful to all our NSW emergency services agencies for working together to help people during the worst of times.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said: “I send my congratulations and appreciation to each of the recipients on their service, firefighting careers and outstanding contributions.

“Each of these firefighters bring different perspectives, skills and contributions to our workplace, but what they share is a commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty.

“These recipients don’t seek recognition or praise, but it’s wonderful to see them recognised nationally for their leadership and dedicated contributions to the community.”

Firefighters awarded in King’s Birthday Honours for service in New South Wales: Summary

Four firefighters from Fire and Rescue New South Wales have received national honours.

Captain Edwin Gray, Chief Superintendent Steven Hayes, and Station Officer Mark Porter received the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Morris and Jo-ann Morris received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

The awards were announced as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list.

FRNSW confirmed the awards were based on contributions to leadership, fire safety and public advocacy.

Captain Gray was recognised for his operational work and community engagement in Tenterfield.

Chief Superintendent Hayes was acknowledged for his emergency management and infrastructure planning.

Station Officer Porter was recognised for contributions to national fire safety standards.

Assistant Commissioner Morris and Jo-ann Morris were awarded for health and disability advocacy.

The honours were confirmed by Fire and Rescue NSW on 10 June 2025.

All medals were awarded by the Governor-General on ministerial recommendation.