Queensland Corrective Services Officers in Townsville are the first in the state to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to community safety through the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rollout of the Emergency Response Medal with COVID-19 clasp.
Presented to QCS officers at a special ceremony on Tuesday, the Emergency Response Medal acknowledges the dedication and resilience of officers who respond to emergency situations during a significant event in Queensland.
The COVID-19 clasp recognises duties including direct response, maintaining core business or a combination of both during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The medals were presented to Custodial Corrections Officers at Townsville Men's and Townsville Women's Correctional Centre with another round of presentations to be made on August 13.
The medal is a round medallion in brushed copper ensigned with a central roundel of the Stage Badge of Queensland, which comprises the Crown of Saint Edward atop a Maltese Cross, topped with the words 'Emergency Response Medal'.
The ribbon is maroon in colour with red representing the health of the community, white representing hope for the future after the emergency and navy representing QCS.
Rollout of the medal will continue over the coming months with over 6,000 Queensland Corrective Service officers eligible for the award.
The rollout of the medal across the state is staggered, with the Northern and Far Northern regions the first to be presented the award.
Quotes attributable to 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."
Quotes attributable to 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, staff or visitor fatality from 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 challenges.
"The diligence of Queensland's Corrections workforce saved lives."
