Mid North Coast honours long serving volunteers and welcomes new firefighting tankers

NSW RFS Chief Superintendent Brett Condie presented 24 recipients with 26 medals, including five National Medals, at a ceremony held at the Coffs Harbour Fire Control Centre.

“The members being honoured today have together dedicated 628 years of service to the local community. These medals are our proud acknowledgment of tireless devotion to protecting the Mid North Coast from fire and other emergencies,” Chief Superintendent Condie said.

“Stephen Jenkins, Michael Summerhill, Stephen Knoblock, Trevor Banks and John Worrad are worthy recipients of the National Medal, which is awarded to members of the Service who go above and beyond and the NSW RFS both congratulates and thanks them for doing what they do.

“I would also like to mention Ken, Margaret and Rodney Maher, who are today receiving Long Service Medals in recognition of their combined 100 years of service to the Boggy Creek Rural Fire Brigade.”

Chief Superintendent Condie said the occasion was the perfect opportunity for the community to acknowledge and pay tribute to the efforts of local volunteers and their families.

“Their hard work and professionalism does not go unnoticed and today’s event allows us as a community to express our gratitude and say thank you to all NSW RFS members,” Chief Superintendent Condie said.

A Category 7 tanker and two Category 9 tankers were officially handed over to the Brierfield, Gleniffer and Solitary Rural Fire Brigades.

“These vehicles represent a $434,000 investment in the local community, the new tankers replace older units and will enable the brigades to continue their outstanding work providing a world-class level of fire protection to their local communities,” Chief Superintendent Condie said.

The NSW RFS and state and local governments are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do.”