THE tireless work of Kogan firefighters to keep their community safe was recognised during a visit from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Commissioner to Miles on Monday.
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll presented Diligent and Ethical Services medals to John Hughes, Rachael Jacobsen, Vicki Searle and Paul Storey, from the Kogan and District Fire Brigade.
"It's great to honour the staff for volunteering to the organisation and doing such a great job," she said.
Vicki Searle is quick to point out that the Kogan and District Fire Brigade team "wear many hats".
Ms Searle is a firefighter, the secretary, treasurer and community educator and has been volunteering for the past 17 years.
"The award is recognition that the work we are doing is important, not just to our community but the service we work for as well," she said.
"Here at Kogan there is training once a week, we respond to call-outs and assist with hazard reduction burns," she said.
"We also do fundraising and community awareness programs as well."
Firefighter, fire warden and training officer John Hughes said the award was a great honour and something completely unexpected.
Mr Hughes also praised the announcement of four new communication towers in the area, to improve emergency communication during disasters.