- Townsville-based Corrections Officers are the first to be formally recognised for operational excellence during the Covid pandemic.
- The Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp to be awarded to more than 6,000 Corrections Officers Queensland-wide.
- Not one pandemic-related fatality was recorded in Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) facilities.
More than 6,000 Queensland Corrective Services Officers will be decorated in coming months for their commitment to the safety of Queenslanders during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
This week, around 50 Townsville-based QCS officers became the first in Queensland to receive the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp.
Queensland's Emergency Response Medal acknowledges the dedication and resilience of officers reacting to emergency events.
The COVID-19 clasp recognises direct response and an ability to maintain core business - or a combination of both - as the pandemic closed state and international borders.
Made of germ-resisting brushed copper, the round Emergency Response medallion features a central roundel of the State Badge of Queensland including the Crown of Saint Edward on top of a Maltese Cross, with the words 'Emergency Response Medal'.
The ribbon is maroon, white and navy blue, representing the health of the community, hope for the future and the QCS corporate colour.
Distribution of the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp continues over coming months.
As stated by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:
"Working as a Custodial Corrections Officer isn't an easy job but that's why awards like the Emergency Response Medal with the Covid-19 clasp are so highly regarded.
"In a close and closed environment like a prison, Coronavirus could have been deadly without vaccinations and the commitment of Corrections Officers.
"The biggest beneficiary of the hard work of officers in keeping Covid out of the North's correctional facilities is the wider Townsville community."
As stated by Corrections Minister, Nikki Boyd MP:
"The once-in-a-lifetime Covid pandemic claimed more than 7 million lives globally while severing international supply chains, leaving few communities unaffected.
"Queensland's world-class health response and the work of QCS officers kept our correctional facilities safe with not a single prisoner or staff fatality related to Covid-19.
"I want to thank the more than 6,000 Corrections Officers receiving the Emergency Response Medal and Covid-19 clasp for their amazing achievement, commitment and ability to adapt quickly to the pandemic's many challenges.
"The diligence of Queensland's Corrections workforce saved lives."
As stated by Mr Paul Stewart APM, Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services:
"The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented time for Queensland Corrective Services, presenting unique challenges and reshaping the way we work.
"I am incredibly proud of the way our officers maintained the safety and security of our centres and continued the supervision of offenders in the community during this challenging time.
"Unlike other countries, where correctional centres saw significant transmission and many associated deaths of officers and prisoners, QCS recorded no fatalities as a result of COVID-19. This is a remarkable achievement, and reflective of the commitment of our officers.
"I thank every member of our agency who contributed to successfully navigating these unique challenges as we adapted to a new normal during the pandemic.
"This medal recognises the efforts and professionalism of everyone to ensure the safety of our officers, prisoners, offenders and visitors to our workplaces."
Images of the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp and presentation are here:
