News

New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) Ku-ring-gai Unit member, Benjamin Power has been awarded the 2024 State Emergency Service Officer of the Year award at this year’s Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards (RESCA) ceremony.

Land Search Operations Instructor, Power was recognised for his unwavering commitment to serving his community for over 22 years. As a member of the Ku-ring-gai SES Unit since 2002, he has held various roles, including Team Leader, Deputy Rescue Officer, Rescue Officer, Deputy Unit Commander, Emergency Officer, Acting Commander Operations, and Incident Controller.

Ben accepted the award in front of emergency services counterparts at the awards ceremony on Saturday night with SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz APM there to congratulate him.

“I’d like to commend Ben for his tireless dedication to the Service and for selflessly supporting communities across the state,” said Acting Commissioner Platz.

“Ben’s mentorship has been instrumental in developing skilled trainers across all disciplines and his passion to serving the community makes him a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.”

The awards celebrate emergency service personnel who make outstanding contributions to their communities and who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, reflecting the Rotary motto of “service above self.”

With his extensive knowledge and experience, Ben has contributed to the successful outcome of thousands of SES incidents.

He has provided invaluable training to hundreds of SES volunteers in disciplines such as Flood Operations, Storm Heights work, General Rescue, Vertical Rescue, Chainsaw Operations, and Incident Management.

Beyond his SES duties, Ben has demonstrated exceptional service to the community through his involvement with Scouts NSW for over 25 years, serving as an Assistant Scout Leader and supporting numerous scouting events.

He has also contributed to organisations such as Life for Koori Kids Inc, Homeless Shelter ST FRANCIS HOUSE, OXFAM Australia, and Relay for Life.

SES congratulates all our finalists in this year’s RESCA Awards: Leading Senior Operator, David Bere, Deputy Rescue Officer, Bill Frazer and Deputy Unit Commander, Anthony Hatch.