State-of-the-art fire truck unveiled in Albany

• Water spray protection system and heat shield curtains offer further protection

• Long-serving firefighters also presented with National Fire Medals and Clasps

A state-of-the-art fire truck equipped with additional safety features has been unveiled in Albany.

In the region today to inspect the vehicle, Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the heavy duty appliance was the first of its kind in the Great Southern and one of 110 trucks with the modified design being rolled out to the Department of Parks and Wildlife's nine regions across Western Australia.

"Staff working in frontline firefighting roles often work under difficult conditions that carry risks," Mr Jacob said.

"With the addition of water spray protection systems and heat shield curtains, these appliances are designed to further protect Parks and Wildlife firefighters."

The $10,000 per truck spray protection system uses water from the truck's tank to protect the whole vehicle including the cab for up to five minutes in the event of an entrapment or burnover situation.

The heat shield curtain, which costs about $3,300 per truck, further protects occupants of the cab from the radiant heat of fires.  Additional shielding and lagging to protect critical electrical and mechanical components have also been added to help maintain truck mobility in the event of entrapment.

The fire truck modifications were among new procedures and training programs introduced in response to a number of improvement notices issued by WorkSafe following the tragic 2012 Black Cat Creek bushfire near Albany that claimed the life of a Parks and Wildlife employee.

During his visit, the Minister also presented National Fire Medals and Clasps to Parks and Wildlife staff from the South Coast and Wheatbelt regions and the Forest Products Commission.

"These medals and clasps recognise the long and diligent service of staff who commit themselves to protecting their communities in times of emergency or natural disaster. Collectively, these 18 outstanding individuals have more than 600 years of service in fire suppression and fire management duties," Mr Jacob said.

       Fact File

• Full fleet of 110 trucks will be fitted with water spray protection systems by September 2014 ahead of the 2014-15 fire season

• National Fire Medal is awarded to emergency services personnel with 15 years of service; clasps are for each additional 10 years' service. Full list of recipients below

Minister's office - 6552 5800

List of recipients of National Fire Medals and Clasps

2nd Clasp recipients

Greg Durell, 37 years' service - Wheatbelt Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Peter Fishwick, 48 years' service (retired) - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Peter Masters, 36 years' service - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

George Doust, 37 years' service - Warren Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

1st Clasp recipients

Mark True, 26 years' service - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Neil Worrell, 31 years' service (resigned) - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Medal recipient

Paul Blechynden, 25 years' service - Wheatbelt Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Luke Coney, 24 years' service - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Mitchell Davies, 22 years' service - Wheatbelt Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Gregory Ferguson, 22 years' service - Wheatbelt Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

David Guille, 21 years' service - Forest Products Commission

Vince Hilder, 17 years' service - South Coast Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Tim Mitchell, 24 years' service - Forest Products Commission

Andrew Robertson, 16 years' service - Forest Products Commission

Mark Moore, 25 years' service - Wheatbelt Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Gary Treeby, 16 years' service - Forest Products Commission

Stephen Rule, 19 years' service - Warren Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife

Michael Sawyer, 18 years' service - Warren Region, Department of Parks and Wildlife