In Logan, first responders are woven into the life of the city.
They arrive at crashes, house fires, storm damage, flooded streets and calls for help no one ever wants to make. Police, firefighters, paramedics, SES volunteers and rural fire crews answer those moments — often leaving their own homes and families to help someone else’s.
Logan’s water towers were lit teal on Tuesday 9 June for Thank a First Responder Day, with the national day held on Wednesday 10 June to recognise first responders and their families.
For Senior Constable Natasha Wesche, serving Logan is personal.
“As a police officer working in my own community here in Logan, the job is very personal,” Senior Constable Wesche said.
“These aren’t just members of the public we’re helping, these are our neighbours, friends and people we see day to day.
“Being a first responder comes with challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to support people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Community recognition means a lot, not just to me, but to all first responders.
“Hearing a simple ‘thank you’ or knowing the community appreciates our efforts really does make a difference.
“Logan is a strong and resilient community and it’s a privilege to serve here.”
Justin Payne, acting district director for the Logan district with Queensland Ambulance Service, said many QAS staff chose to serve Logan because of the community.
He said the district covered a large area, with about 400 staff working to support patients across the Logan catchment.
“There’s definitely a cohort of staff that choose to work in this district to help service this community,” Mr Payne said.
“There are those that live here and work here, and we’re trying to recruit more from the local area, but it is good to hear that people, even from Brisbane City or down from the Gold Coast, do want to come and work and serve the people of the Logan district.
“What I love about the staff here in this district is that there’s a real camaraderie.
“They’re dedicated to the community of Logan.
“The time they spend away from their family to come and support people in their chosen career is to be commended.
“They advocate for all the people here in Logan, and we just want to thank them for doing that every day.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles, from Logan District, said first responders served others during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“Every day, our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect and support the community,” Acting Chief Superintendent Miles said.
“This day is also about acknowledging the families behind our people, whose support, understanding and resilience make it possible for them to do this important work.”
Logan firefighters Robert Haw, Tom Ryan, Luke Eastwell and Aaron Bennett said Logan’s mix of suburbs, cultures and landscapes made the city different from other areas.
“The community is very welcoming,” they said.
“Ultimately, we’re there to help in any scenario.”
They said the community also played a role in emergencies through local knowledge and volunteers who knew the back roads, private access points and water limitations.
“Some of these volunteers have been doing it for 20 or 30 years. They know the area better than anyone,” they said.
“When you’re trying to get to someone quickly, knowing the back road, the private access point or where the water is can make all the difference.”
The firefighters said crews also built relationships before emergencies happened, including through school visits, community events and neighbourhood watch activities.
“You talk to people all the time and they say, ‘I remember when the fire truck came and I got to hold the hose,’” they said.
“You build trust with kids when they’re young and they remember it.
“They just know we’re there to help.”
Cr Jon Raven said Logan’s first responders deserved “much more than a day”.
“Anyone who has experienced an emergency situation knows that our first responders, whether they are in paid or volunteer roles, are essential in helping us in the toughest times,” Cr Raven said.
“On behalf of the city of Logan, thank you for the incredible and irreplaceable work you do.”
Fortem Australia says more than 14 million triple-0 calls were made across Australia in 2025 and one in three first responders experience high or very high psychological distress due to trauma on the job.
Residents can mark the day by writing cards, sharing messages, thanking a local first responder, or recognising the families who support them before and after the uniform comes off.
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