Canobolas volunteers’ commitment praised

Assistant Commissioner Jason Heffernan presented 13 volunteers with their Long Service Medals and acknowledged their unfailing dedication to the Service during a ceremony held at Cowra Services Club.

“In total, these Long Service Medal recipients have accumulated 666 years of service between them,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

“Each and every one of these volunteers are worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them, not only for their commitment to the Service, but also to their community.”

Assistant Commissioner Heffernan made particular mention of Bruce Weir, who has been a valued member of the Service for 70 years.

“In 1946 Bruce was instrumental in the formation of the now Holmwood Brigade and was the Brigade Secretary for 21 years which is quite an achievement,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said the 79 brigades in the Canobolas Zone respond to a range of bush and grass fires, as well as motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies, each year.

“The NSW RFS is at the cutting edge of bush firefighting due to significant improvements in technology, training, equipment and communications, however the real strength of the Service is its people,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

“These men and women have been part of the Service during an incredible period of growth and transformation and the experience and knowledge within their ranks illustrates this.  

“All of the volunteers here today have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are just a small token of our appreciation.”