Community & Business
3 February, 2026
Local firies recognised for years of dedicated service
On January 23, the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) held its Australia Day Achievement Awards ceremony at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. The honours list included local firefighters David Crighton, Paul Fuhlbohm, Shane Patchett and Terry McConnell, who were recognised for their dedication in serving our community over many years.
Mr Crighton and Mr Fuhlbohm received the Queensland Fire Medal (QFM), First and Second Clasps, for thirty years of dedicated service.
The QFM provides recognition of demonstrated commitment to ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period, while the Clasps are awarded for each additional 10 year period of service.
Mr Crighton has been a permanent firefighter since 2004, and is the current Station Officer in Toowoomba.
Prior to that he served ten years as an auxiliary firefighter in Pittsworth.
Mr Fuhlbohm has held the position of First Officer of Felton Broxburn Rural Fire Brigade for 30 years but his service as a volunteer stems even longer.
His father, Eddie, was a founding member of the Brigade in 1974 and earnt his own QFM and Clasp for his years in service as secretary/treasurer.
Only time will tell whether Mr Fuhlbohm’s young son, Jack, intends to join the Brigade and carry on the family’s volunteering efforts - perhaps even earning a medal of his own one day.
The two other recipients of the QFM were Mr Patchett and Mr McConnell of the Southbrook Linthorpe Rural Fire Brigade.
Wanting to give back to his community through volunteering, Mr Patchett joined the Rural Fire Brigade some years ago when he was living in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast.
Upon relocating to our district, he promptly joined the Southbrook Linthorpe volunteer firefighters, and within two years became First Officer.
His fellow firefighter, Mr McConnell is the Second Officer.
Another notable mention at the ceremony was Damien Cooke, First Officer of the Jondaryan Rural Fire Brigade, who received an Australia Day Achievement Award for providing continuous exemplary service.
