St John WA team members receive King’s Birthday Honours

Three of St John WA’s finest team members have been acknowledged in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Paul Beech received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), and Brian Gallop and Phil Stanaitis were each awarded an Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).

Paul’s contributions to St John WA and the broader community are indeed exceptional.

His unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving the health and safety of the Harvey community through the organisation made him a highly deserving candidate for the OAM.

Paul started his journey with St John WA as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer (now known as Emergency Medical Technicians) in September 1996.

Over the past 27 years, he has consistently exhibited leadership qualities and a deep passion for service through St John WA and the Harvey community.

Paul has consistently undertaken rigorous on-call rostered shifts, selflessly helping those in need without judgment.

He has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and composure, even in the most challenging and high-pressure situations.

As one of St John’s most experienced volunteer EMTs, Paul has taken on the additional responsibility of driving for non-urgent transfers.

His unwavering commitment is commendable, ensuring services are available when needed most.

Brian Gallop has been an active frontline volunteer with St John for more than 25 years, and his dedication has only grown stronger over time.

He has held the role of emergency medical technician and committee positions in various sub-centres, including serving as secretary and deputy chairperson.

As a highly competent volunteer development officer (VDO), Brian constantly strives to improve himself and mentors newer volunteers, some of whom have transitioned to paid roles within St John WA.

He also actively participates in voluntourism and the Rapid Deployment Pool.

Brian’s dedication, diverse volunteer roles, and community-focused initiatives exemplify the values of St John WA.

Through his selflessness, compassion, and knowledge, he consistently delivers prompt care and comfort to those in need.

Fellow ASM recipient Phil Stanaitis has an exceptional work ethic, unparalleled compassion, and remarkable dedication as a paramedic within St John WA.

Notably, Phil’s commitment to community resilience, particularly within Indigenous communities in the Pilbara region, stands as a shining example of his dedication to fostering Australian pride and spirit through active citizenship.

Phil is also passionate about addressing and reducing community suicide and trauma, participating in trauma and suicide prevention initiatives primarily aimed towards at risk youth.

The profound impact he has made on the community and the emergency medical services is undeniable.

Phil’s remarkable contributions, coupled with his ongoing potential for future achievements, make him a truly outstanding individual and a true asset to St. John WA.