Lower Hunter District celebrates dedicated members

Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar presented fifty-three Long Service Medals, seven National Medals, four National Emergency Medals and one Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal at the event.

Assistant Commissioner McKellar said the medals, recognising more than 1,600 years of combined service, are a proud acknowledgement of the commitment shown by these individuals over the years in New South Wales, and abroad.

“We recognised members for long service tenures ranging from 10 to more than 50 years of service, with a special mention of David Crouch from Gresford Brigade for his impressive 53 years of service to the RFS,” he said.

“I would like to also personally extend my gratitude to the seven members being recognised for their sustained or significant service during the devastating 2019/20 fire season, who received their National Emergency Medal,”

“Members of the Lower Hunter District played an integral part in the firefighting response during the 2019/20 fire season and rose to the challenge to protect communities,” Assistant Commissioner McKellar said.

“You only have to look at that season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when fires threaten, as experienced across the state during the Black Summer fires.

“I would like to take this time to also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”

Assistant Commissioner McKellar also presented a Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for services rendered in Canada in 2017.

“Sam Rooke of the Lower Hunter Aviation Brigade is to be congratulated for representing not only the RFS, but Australia when he was deployed to assist our Canadian counterparts,” he said.