THE recently appointed Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Corrective Services Bill Byrne has made a special visit to the Warwick Fire and Rescue Station, bearing much deserved medals and much needed new equipment.

The minister joined about 40 representatives from Warwick Fire Station, Warwick SES and Dalveen, Greymare, Leyburn, Freestone, Allora, Wildash and Killarney rural fire brigades to recognise their colleagues' achievements and to witness the handover of two new firefighting vehicles.

Warwick senior firefighter Michael Coombes was presented the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal in recognition of his overseas deployment to Christchurch in 2011 after the devastating earthquake.

Rural Fire Brigade volunteers William Humble, James Massey and Roni Bau and Warwick firefighter Brad Davie received the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal.

Rural Fire Service Queensland acting area director Michael Patch said the medal recognised staff and volunteers who distinguished themselves over a prolonged period of time.

The minister also presented Dalveen Rural Fire Brigade with a replacement vehicle worth nearly $170,000 and the Warwick Fire Station received a new combination wildfire and swift water rescue vehicle valued at about $120,000.

Station officer Mark Sullivan said the combination unit was a replacement vehicle, with essential four-wheel-drive capability.

"It gives us the capacity to go off-road when needed, and is a quick response vehicle for incidents like vertical rescues and swift water rescues," he said.

"It carries a firefighting pump for grass fires and essential equipment for swift water rescue."

The Nissan Patrol has a 500-litre water carrying capacity and the ability to transport three staff.

Warwick command Inspector Hemmo de Vries said he took great pride in the station.

"I am very proud of our station and our command, and very proud of our relationship with the SES and Rural Fire Brigades in the region," he said.

"We are all part of QFES, like a big family and work well with the Stanthorpe and Warwick groups."

SES area controller John Harrison said it was great to be invited to the event.

"We work well together to better assist the community," Mr Harrison said.

Warwick SES member Vance Sinden was also amongst the guests.

"I'm excited to be here to support our colleagues," he said.

Medal presentation

Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal:

 Michael Coombes

Diligent and Ethical Service Medal:

 Brad Davie

 William Humble

 James Massey

 Roni Bau