Australia Day honours for veteran firefighters
Published: 26 Jan 2026
Three Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, receiving the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for distinguished service in careers dedicated to protecting NSW communities.
The highest national honour for Australian firefighters was awarded to Chief Superintendent Trent Brown, Captain David Welch and Senior Firefighter Denise Butcher.
Established in 1988, the AFSM is awarded to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service, initiative and performance, beyond what’s expected in their roles.
The medals are awarded on Australia Day and the King’s birthday holiday each year by the Governor-General, following recommendations from Commonwealth and State ministers.
Chief Superintendent Trent Brown
Chief Superintendent Trent Brown joined FRNSW in 1999 and has provided more than two decades of exemplary service. He has progressed through the ranks from an operational firefighter to his current role as the Chief of Staff to the FRNSW Commissioner.
Chief Superintendent Brown has extensive experience as Team Leader for Breathing Apparatus and hazardous materials training, Inspector with Operational Staffing, was the head of FRNSW Hazmat and Counter Terrorism, and as acting Zone Commander within the Metropolitan East command.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and a passion for enhancing the safety and wellbeing of his colleagues, emergency services partners, and the community.
Chief Superintendent Brown has also been recognised for exceptional initiative and innovation, particularly in his work on the Fireground Decontamination Project; the AFAC National Hydrogen Strategy; the Bushfire Respiratory Review; and development of specialist Hazmat capabilities in support of high risk, public order, clandestine drug laboratory, and dignitary protection operations.
Captain David Welch
Captain Welch has notched up almost 16 years of continuous service at the Gunnedah Fire Station 314.
He leads a team of 22 On-Call or retained firefighters, providing guidance, support, leadership and education.
David is renowned for his professionalism, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to the community and his colleagues’ welfare.
Captain Welch fosters a strong station culture, marked by respect, unity, and personal connection. His crew regards him as the ‘finest Captain it has served under.’
He is also a community leader, serving on the Gunnedah Junior Soccer Committee, coaching youth and securing funding for local sports facilities.
Senior Firefighter Denise Butcher
Denise Butcher is FRNSW’s longest-serving female firefighter, and was one of the first two women to join the service on 15 March 1985.
After serving in a frontline, operational role, Senior Firefighter Butcher now works in FRNSW’s Alexandria Communications Centre, where she supports fire crews across the state taking emergency calls and co-ordinating radio communications.
Senior Firefighter Butcher entered the fire service when there were no formal career pathways for women, overcoming significant cultural and structural barriers and helping to change perceptions within the profession. Senior Firefighter Butcher navigated outdated maternity policies and contributed to lasting cultural change and more inclusive practices.
Senior Firefighter Butcher has served with professionalism, competence, determination and integrity, helping FRNSW to grow into the modern and inclusive service it is today.
Quotes attributed to Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib: “On behalf of the communities they serve, I would like to express my gratitude to these three firefighters for their service.
“My congratulations and sincere thank you to Trent, David and Denise for your dedication to your roles and your on-going efforts to save and protect lives.
“The Australian Fire Service Medal is the highest honour for firefighters, and while we know these recipients don’t do it for the recognition, they deserve it.”
Quotes attributed to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell: “I acknowledge the significant contribution Chief Superintendent Trent Brown, Captain David Welch and Senior Firefighter Denise Butcher have made in their decades of service. These firefighters reflect an ongoing commitment to protect the irreplaceable.
“From frontline service at fires and emergencies, to strengthening our capability and culture, and being there for members of the public when they need it the most – these recipients step up without hesitation, at times when their own safety is at risk.
“I honour their outstanding contribution and am delighted they’re being recognised with this prestigious award.”
Updated: 02 Feb 2026 8:04am