THEY risk their lives to protect us each and every day.

They leave their families behind to make sure ours are safe and sound.

And on Saturday, they received recognition for their brave efforts.

Inspector Hemmo de Vries conducted a presentation ceremony at the Warwick Fire Station.

Some of the medals were presented for long service, others for outstanding efforts in national emergencies.

Mayor Peter Blundell attended the ceremony and congratulated our heroes.

"Most of us probably take their work for granted unfortunately," Cr Blundell said.

"We always expect prompt and perfect service and each time these guys deliver.

"It's a huge commitment and I'd like to congratulate them all."

Assistant commissioner Tom Dawson said it was a special day for those involved.

"It's great to recognise the work of the firefighters," he said.

"Some of them have been doing it for many decades.

"It's great for them to share it with their families and friends."

National Medal

The National Medal recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members.

Recipients are entitled to the National Medal after 15 years of service and a clasp is awarded to the National Medal holder after completion of each additional 10 years of service.

The National Medal ceremony recognises the efforts of staff who dedicate themselves to protecting their community.

National Medal recipients (15 years):

 Mark Sullivan, senior firefighter, Warwick Station.

First clasp (25 years):

 Hemmo de Vries, inspector, Warwick Command.

 Ian Niebling, auxiliary captain, Warwick Station.

 Glyn Rees, permanent firefighter, Warwick Station.

Second clasp (35 years):

 John Hamilton, station officer, Warwick Station.

Diligent and Ethical Service Medal

The QFRS Diligent and Ethical Service Medal is used to recognise QFRS members who have distinguished themselves over a prolonged period of time, through commitment to ethical standards, diligence and integrity, as opposed to routine duties and time served.

Diligent and Ethical Service Medal recipients (10 years):

 Peter Auld, auxiliary firefighter, Clifton Station.

 Robert Collins, auxiliary firefighter, Clifton Station.

 David Egan, auxiliary firefighter, Clifton Station.

 Paul McKenzie, auxiliary lieutenant, Clifton Station.

 Michael Coombes, senior firefighter, Warwick Station.

 Brett Farrell, senior firefighter, Warwick Station.

 Chris Gilchrist, auxiliary lieutenant, Warwick Station.

 Gavin Taylor, auxiliary lieutenant, Warwick Station.

 Pat Brosnan, auxiliary lieutenant retired, Killarney Station. Pat started with the fire station in 1974 and served more than 30 years.

 Bill Lamb, auxiliary firefighter, retired, Killarney Station. Bill started with the fire station in 1981 and served more than 20 years.

 Robert Schulz, auxiliary captain, retired, Killarney Station. Robert started in 1956 and served more than 40 years.

National Emergency Medal

The National Emergency Medal was established by Her Majesty the Queen.

It is awarded to members of the relevant organisations or individuals who rendered sustained service during the specified dates in specified places in response to nationally significant emergencies within Australia, or to other persons who did the same.

National Emergency Medal recipients:

 Hemmo de Vries, inspector, Warwick Command.

 Gavin Taylor, auxiliary lieutenant, Warwick Station.