Members recognised with Community Protection Medal

At a ceremony held 10 March 2026, six members from the ACT Emergency Services Agency and ACT Policing were awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal (CPM).

 

Established in 2002, the award formally recognises that these people have gone above and beyond in their chosen fields, and acknowledges sustained, distinguished, and outstanding dedication – making the ACT a better place to live.

 

Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services acknowledged the following recipients:

 

Sergeant Fraser Howard is recognised for his exceptional leadership, strategic oversight and significant contribution to community protection within ACT Policing. His ability to lead fast-moving, high-risk-high-harm investigations was instrumental in reducing community harm and restoring public confidence during a period of heightened concern. Sergeant Frazer Howard has strengthened workforce capability through innovative training programs and operational reforms, improving the effectiveness of Proactive Policing. In addition, his decade of dedicated Search and Rescue service, represents a significant personal contribution to community protection, well beyond his normal policing duties. Sergeant Howard exemplifies professionalism and service to the ACT community.

 

Mr Anthony Groves is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal for sustained distinguished service to the ACT Ambulance Service through leadership in clinical governance, innovation, and the advancement of patient care. Mr Groves has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving clinical standards, fostering a culture of safety and learning, and ensuring the ongoing protection and wellbeing of the Canberra community. His leadership in modernising clinical systems, developing new models of care, and implementing innovative clinical equipment exemplifies the highest standards of public service.

 

Superintendent Chris White is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contribution to community safety through the awareness and development of partnerships with industry guiding the safe installation of charging infrastructure in commercial buildings. Also, for going over and above that required of his regular duties, to develop and improve process and procedure around firefighter and community safety. 

 

Mr Leighton Bush is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal in recognition of his, distinguished and outstanding service to the ACT community through his leadership in enhancing emergency services collaboration, policy, and public safety communication. Mr Bush’s collaboration with key stakeholders across the ESA, ACT Government and National emergency management counterparts has led to ensuring the ESA and ACT community’s interests and safety are well articulated, particularly during large-scale emergency incidents.

 

Mr O’Neill has been a distinguished member of the ACT Rural Fire Service and its predecessors since 1988. Mr O’Neill demonstrates the highest qualities and attributes of an ACTRFS firefighter and has performed well above and beyond the normal requirements expected of a member supporting the ACT and regional communities for an extended and continual period.

 

Ms Victoria Munslow is awarded the ACT Community Protection Medal for ongoing dedication, support and passion for serving the ACT community as an ACTSES volunteer for over 25 years. Ms Munslow has provided effective leadership during operational responses and has immense passion for training ACTSES volunteers. Ms Munslow consistently shows an unwavering commitment to improve volunteer outcomes and opportunities.

 

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients.