SES local controller responded to nation’s disasters

PETER Lalor has been involved in more disaster relief missions than he can care to remember.

Mt Druitt SES local controller Peter Lalor who has been nominated for the Pride of Australia Award. Picture: Anthony Johnson

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PRIDE of Australia nominee and Mt Druitt SES controller Peter Lalor has been involved in more disaster relief missions than he can care to remember.

Countless sleepless nights have been spent ensuring the safety of thousands during some of the state’s worst natural disasters.

Mr Lalor was a proud member of the Civil Defence Organisation since 1969, until it merged with the State Emergency Service in 1972.

In that time he has managed dozens of operations during bushfires, floods, storms and rescues.

Some of the notable tasks include Cyclone Tracy evacuee assistance from Callan Park in 1974 and the Mt Druitt SES unit response to the Sydney hailstorm of 1999.

Mt Druitt SES local controller Peter Lalor.

Mr Lalor also led the first shift of more than 200 SES volunteers during the Thredbo landslip in 1997.

He has earned several awards including the NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Service and Emergency Services Medal.

Despite nearly 50 years of volunteer service Mr Lalor said it was the volunteers’ families who needed recognition.

“They stay at home and keep their fingers crossed that their family member is going to come back,” he said.

“If we keep things like the RFS, SES and St John’s ... we’ll help make a better society.”

Mr Lalor’s legacy is carried on in his two sons. The eldest serves as a deputy captain at Scotland Island RFS, while his younger son serves as SES deputy region controller in Dubbo.

Nominations close on October 9

■ The Pride of Australia Medal is one of News Corporation Australia’s most important community endeavours, to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable contribution and achievements of members of the Australian community

■ Nominate someone who has inspired you at: prideofaustralia.com.au