Three new fire trucks and honours for Namoi Gwydir RFS members

Across both ceremonies, Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar will present 16 Long Service Medals, two National Medals and two Humanitarian Overseas Medals for RFS members who have rendered sustained or significant service.

“Today is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and incredible contribution of volunteers and staff across the region,” Assistant Commissioner McKellar said.

“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting local communities, those across the state and further afield as well.

“It is important to have these volunteers on deck to mentor and guide the younger generation joining the Service now and into the future.

“I’d particularly like to recognise Keith Thomson of the Brooklyn Brigade who is being recognised for 60 years’ service.

“Joining in 1962 and previously holding the ranks of Deputy and Senior Deputy Captain, Keith remains an active, integral part of the brigade and community.

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is presented to members of the Service in recognition of their deployment to Canada in 2017 and will be presented to Jock Smith from Narrabri and Garry Cooper from the Bingara Brigade.

In a boost to the region’s firefighting capabilities, tonight’s ceremony will also include the handover of replacement fire tankers for the Croppa Creek, Bingara and Upper Horton Rural Fire Brigades.

The combined $440,000 investment will see the update of vehicles which had served each brigade and the communities they protect for more than 20 years.

Assistant Commissioner McKellar thanked 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,” he said.