Phil Koperberg

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Philip Christian Koperberg AO AFSM BEM is the Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service in Australia.

[edit] Background

Phil Koperberg joined the North Springwood Bush Fire Brigade as a volunteer in 1967, working his way up to become captain of that brigade. Prior to becoming chief of the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1997, he held positions as the inaugural chair of the Fire Control Officer's Association, chairman of the Bush Fire Council of NSW and executive officer of the then Bush Fires Branch of the Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

[edit] Honours and awards

On 30 December 1978 Koperberg was awarded the Order of the British Empire - Medal (Civil)/British Empire Medal (Civil). On 19 November 1990 he was awarded the National Medal which is awarded for diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances, including in times of emergency and national disaster, in direct protection of life and property. On 10 June 1994, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the community through co-ordinating and controlling the firefighting effort during the New South Wales bushfires of January 1994. On 26 January 1995, he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal. On 9 June 2003 he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to the community through the development of an internationally recognised firefighting service, ensuring that training and equipment are of a high standard, and providing informed comment on hazard reduction and educating the community on bushfire safety.