- Three Queensland Fire Department personnel have been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
- The Crisafulli Government congratulates Station Officer Justin Francis, Inspector Daren Mallouk and Captain Stephen Malone who have been honoured this year.
- The AFSM is awarded to both paid and volunteer members of an Australian fire service who have given distinguished service.
Decades worth of service to the Queensland Fire Department has earned three of its own a spot on the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List, with the Crisafulli Government proud to honour their distinguished service.
The recipients of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) have each demonstrated exceptional dedication to Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ).
The Crisafulli Government is proud to back Queensland’s firefighters, recognising their service and supporting them to continue protecting and delivering for communities across the State.
Station Officer Justin Francis joined in 1995 and has since served QFR across a range of frontline operational and specialist roles.
Currently the station officer at Cannon Hill Fire Station, Mr Francis’ career includes periods as a safety assessment officer and building approvals officer.
He has also demonstrated his commitment to firefighter safety, high-rise firefighting capability and community protection in the built environment.
Inspector Daren Mallouk began his career with QFR as a firefighter in 2001 and is currently the manager of the State Fire Investigation Unit.
His expertise in fire origin and cause determination has contributed to more than 150 complex investigations and he has overseen more than 1000 fire scenes, including structural damage, explosions, fatalities and hazardous materials.
Captain Stephen Malone began his firefighting career with RFSQ in 1998 and has continued as a rural firefighter and State Emergency Service member alongside his current role as the captain of Julia Creek Fire and Rescue Station.
Mr Malone is dedicated to community safety, multi-agency collaboration and operational preparedness, a passion which saw him establish the McKinlay Shire First Responders Group to improve coordination between emergency services.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy congratulated each recipient on receiving the highly distinguished honour.
“The recipients of this year’s Australian Fire Service Medal represent more than 80 years of combined service, showcasing the dedication, leadership and expertise within the Queensland Fire Department,” Minister Leahy said.
“I congratulate each of them and thank them for their decades of service protecting Queensland communities.”
QFD Commissioner Steve Smith said it was wonderful the recipients had been recognised for the immense success they had achieved.
“I want to thank Mr Francis, Mr Malone and Mr Mallouk for the knowledge, improvements and dedication they have brought to their roles and QFD,” he said.
“You have not only impacted your colleagues in QFD but have been able to share your knowledge with other agencies and emergency services colleges across Australia and the world.
“I look forward to the impact you will continue to have across QFD.”
