BRIGHT SES unit controller, Graham Gales, has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) in this year's King's Birthday Honours List by the Governor-General.
The Emergency Services Medal is a meritorious award granted to members of particular services in Australia. 
Mr Gales joined the Alpine Unit of the SES in 1983 and has spent over 40 years helping the community in times of emergency.
"Hearing about the nomination was a bit of a surprise," he said.
"I was contacted by VICSES initially in late March about being nominated for this award.
"Over the years I've just been trying to help my community: as a volunteer, you do the job and go out to assist when you're needed.
"Recently I came across a letter my father wrote where he states: 'remember, service to humanity is the best work of life and the help we give to our fellow man helps to pay for the time we spend on this earth'.
"Although he never voiced that sentiment to his children, I see my involvement in the SES as a fulfilment of that sentiment.
"I have participated in so many different activities including searches for missing politicians, dogs rescued from mine shafts, people extricated from car wrecks, numerous bike riders carried out of the bush, protected crime scenes, attended plane crashes, rescued people from rivers and cleared trees from roads and roofs. 
"Although the medal is given to me, I really couldn't've done it without the support, friendship and camaraderie of other members.
"Working together in difficult and sometimes stressful, situations and less than desirable weather has created a bond of friendship and affection, which has made it so easy for me to keep being involved.
"This award is a reflection of how valuable SES volunteers are within their communities, acknowledged on a much wider level."
Awardee nominations for medals such as the ESM come from within their organisations, as Mr Gales was for this medal; and are recommended by the relevant minister for the Governor-General’s approval.
The awards in the Meritorious group are awarded for ‘outstanding service’ and recipients are entitled to use the appropriate letters after their names.