85th anniversary celebrations for Buxton Rural Fire Brigade

RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart APM will join brigade members, family and friends, and other special guests at an event at Picton Bowling Club tonight to mark the occasion.

“The event is an opportunity to celebrate the brigade’s history and congratulate members past and present for their tireless work supporting the community,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.

“The brigade started with a small group of volunteers in 1939, today its membership numbers 45, supporting the community in preparing for the threat of fire and actively responding when emergencies arise.

“Buxton Brigade continues to be a very active, attending a broad range of incidents and activities including bush, forest and grass fires, motor vehicle accidents, search and rescue, structural fires, hazard reduction, and providing support to the NSW SES with flood and storm clean up.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart said Buxton Brigade had attended some major fires in recent years, including the Gospers, Green Wattle, St Ivans and Graigs Road fires during the 2019/20 fire season.

“This was an immensely challenging season and Buxton members were on the ground serving communities at home and further afield,” he said.

“While they do not ask for praise, their hard work and professionalism does not go unnoticed and, tonight, is a good opportunity to officially recognise and acknowledge their contribution to their community.”

At tonight’s event, one of the brigade’s members, Senior Deputy Captain Russell Hill, will receive the Bill Marsh Award for his dedication to the brigade and RFS. The award was established in 2001 in memory of Bill Marsh - a long-standing member of Buxton Bushfire Brigade and a local identity in the Wollondilly Shire.

“Senior Deputy Captain Hill has served the RFS in various capacities for more than 25 years and his commitment to serving the local community is exemplified by his professionalism and dedication to training and mentoring members to reach their full potential,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.

“He has previously received the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service in 2008 and Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation last year.

“A heart-felt special mention also to Peter Fenning, who is receiving a posthumous award today for 43 years of dedicated service with a National Medal.”