Colo Vale resident and NSW Fire and Rescue firefighter Dr Kamarah Pooley has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (ASFM) in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours list.
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The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises distinguished service by members of the Australian fire services. It is awarded to paid and volunteer members.
Humbled by the honour, Dr Pooley ASFM said she felt "unworthy" of the recognition.
"I am just one member of a team of dedicated people who work hard to make a real difference in people's lives," she said.
"I am only where I am because of the people I work with and for, particularly my managers who have provided me with every opportunity to contribute and have supported me along the way.
"They are all as deserved as I am."
Dr Pooley first joined FRNSW in 2012 because she wanted to do something physically and mentally challenging.
"I wanted to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a variety of skills while making a meaningful contribution to the community," she said.
She completed a Bachelor of Criminology from Griffith University, First Class Honours in Criminology from the University of New England, and a PhD through the Queensland University of Technology, where she received an Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award for her study into youth misuse of fire.
"I completed my PhD in youth misuse of fire. In 2021, I was given the opportunity to implement the recommendations of my research," she said.
"In close collaboration with Youth Justice NSW and NSW Police, this work led to the development of an interagency digital training resource to prepare conference convenors, firefighters, police, young people, victims, and other participants for Youth Justice Conferencing.
"Having the opportunity to drive an initiative that will benefit agencies and people beyond FRNSW for years to come is one of the highlights of my career."
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