Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters recognised in King’s Birthday honour roll - NSW
Published: 09 Jun 2025 12:33am
Four Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have been recognised in the King’s Birthday honours.
Captain Edwin Gray; Chief Superintendent, Steven Hayes; and Station Officer, Mark Porter, have each been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for their commitments to community outreach, strategic leadership, safety standards and training.
The AFSM was established in 1988 to recognise the distinguished service of firefighters – permanent or volunteer – to their organisations.
Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations, Michael Morris, and his wife, Jo-ann, have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community through charitable organisations.
The OAM recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service.
The medals are awarded on the King's Birthday each year by the Governor-General, on recommendation of Commonwealth and state ministers.
- Captain Edwin Gray
Captain Gray was appointed to FRNSW in 1994 and has since devoted over 30 years of exceptional service to the Tenterfield community and beyond.
Promoted to Captain in 2010, he has led Tenterfield Fire Station with distinction, consistently demonstrating a proactive commitment to fire safety, operational excellence, and community engagement.
Captain Gray’s leadership during critical incidents, such as the 2019-20 bushfire crisis, and his role in preserving lives and property, are key highlights of his distinguished career.
Outside his official duties, Captain Gray mentors young firefighters, engages in community outreach programs, and coordinates vital events such as the Tenterfield Fire Station centenary celebrations.
His dedication to both his crew and his community is evident in his everyday actions, from driving a local school bus, to his commitment to FRNSW’s Home Fire Safety Visit Program and offering support to those in need.
- Chief Superintendent Steven Hayes
Chief Superintendent Hayes began his career with FRNSW in 1990, and has been stationed at Picton, Liverpool, St Andrews, Cabramatta, Macquarie Fields, and Narellan fire stations.
He also served as zone commander and for the last two years has held the position of Chief Superintendent of Fire Safety where he regularly attends fires and other emergency incidents, offering expert knowledge and guidance.
Chief Superintendent Hayes led significant organisational, operational, and financial reform in the face of unprecedented events such as the 2019-20 Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Completing a six-month secondment to the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) as an Acting Deputy Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Hayes ensured communities received assistance throughout the 2020-2021 mid-north coast floods.
Chief Superintendent Hayes was pivotal in ensuring safety and protection for commuters and emergency services during the development and implementation of the Sydney Metro railway network. His negotiation with Sydney Metro and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator saw the delivery of a safe, contemporary rail network.
- Station Officer Mark Porter
Station Officer Porter, has dedicated over 41 years of service to FRNSW, beginning his career in 1983 and serving at Liverpool, Lane Cove, Ashfield, and Cabramatta fire stations, as well as in the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) and Breathing Apparatus section.
He is currently a Station Officer in the Fire Safety Branch. As Fire Safety Assessor in the Fire Safety Policy Unit, Station Officer Porter’s technical expertise and leadership has allowed him to shape fire safety regulations, contribute to national safety codes and standards, and drive systemic improvements for the public and firefighters.
Extending far beyond the expectations of his position, Station Officer Porter’s work plays a central role in the ongoing development of fire safety measures across Australia. He has represented FRNSW and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) on several influential Australian standards committees, including those responsible for fire hydrant installations, automatic fire sprinkler systems, and water storage tanks for fire protection systems.
Station Officer Porter was instrumental in the revision of AS2419.1, the Australian standard for fire hydrant systems, directly influencing the design and implementation of key firefighting equipment. His contributions to the revision of these standards have set the stage for safer, more effective firefighting operations throughout Australia.
- Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations, Michael Morris
Assistant Commissioner Morris and Jo-ann founded the Samuel Morris Foundation in 2007 following a tragic non-fatal drowning incident involving their then two-year-old son Samuel.
Samuel suffered significant brain injuries and he and the Morris family faced many challenges over the years that followed.
Through their unimaginable grief, Assistant Commissioner Morris and Jo-ann became advocates for water safety with their work directly influencing legislative changes in NSW and contributing to change in other states.
Caring for Samuel until he sadly passed away in 2014 highlighted the many difficulties those living with disabilities face and led Assistant Commissioner Morris and Jo-ann to also advocate for better health outcomes and support for individuals and their families.
In addition to the roles he has held at FRNSW, Mick has held many positions within water safety, paediatric health and patient advocacy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
“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.”
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM:
“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.”
Updated: 08 Jun 2025 10:38pm
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