Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade celebrates 70th anniversary and honours members

RFS Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley will join special guests and brigade members to congratulate members past and present for building the brigade into the community focal point it is today.

“This brigade has a proud history of community and spirit,” Assistant Commissioner Midgley said.

“Formed in 1953, the brigade now boasts 49 members and is very active within the community and runs a number of training courses for other RFS members across the Southern Highlands District.”

Assistant Commissioner Midgley said the celebration was an opportunity to not only congratulate the brigade on this milestone but also thank members for their ongoing commitment and service, with the presentation of seven National Medals, three Long Service Medals and three Life Memberships.

“The event provides an opportunity to recognise members of the brigade who together have amassed more than 300 years’ of service to the RFS,” he said.

“Today, we recognise dedicated volunteers who have given between 10 and 70 years of service to the community.

“I particularly wish to congratulate the brigade’s Senior Deputy Captain Alan Kerslake, who is receiving the National Medal 5^th Clasp and Long Service Medal 5^th Clasp for 70 years of dedicated service.

“Alan joined the brigade in 1953 and has been with the brigade since the start. I’m sure he has experienced much change over the decades, including his time has Brigade Captain for 12 years and in his current role of Senior Deputy Captain for the last 20 years.

“I would like to take this time to praise the brigade members and all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Southern Highlands.

“The hard work and professionalism of all RFS members does not go unnoticed and while they do not ask for praise, we acknowledge their contribution to their community.

“We must also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support to allow our members do what they do, to save lives and property.”