Celebrations for Adjungbilly Rural Fire Brigade

NSW RFS Acting District Manager Inspector Tom McDevitt attended the ceremony at the Adjungbilly Rural Fire Brigade station, where he thanked volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the South West Slopes Zone and the Service.

“The recently constructed station; part funded by fundraising efforts from the brigade, the Rural Fire Service Association and with support from Forestry Corporation; provides enhanced support to volunteers as well as the communities they protect,” Inspector McDevitt said.

“This station provides for vehicle housing, storage and has amenities. Brigade members themselves have assisted with the extending of their station and I know it is a highly valued facility for the community.

“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when bush fires and emergency situations threaten and I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the NSW RFS members for their outstanding efforts.”

Along with the Adjungbilly Brigade receiving a new Category One vehicle worth more than $320,000, Inspector McDevitt also presented 23 NSW RFS Long Service Medals to members from the South West Slopes Zone in recognition of their ongoing commitment to their local communities.

“The 19 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 725 years of service between them,” Inspector McDevitt said.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate two members who’ve given more than 50 years’ service each.

“Well done to Robert Kingwill of the Adjungbilly Brigade, on his 74 years with the Service, and on receiving the NSW RFS Long Service Medal and 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Clasps today.

“Robert joined when he was 16 and has seen it all over, his level of local knowledge and commitment to community is astonishing and he is very much a valued member.

“Well done also to Grant Dunkerton with the Adjungbilly Brigade, who attended his first fire at the age of just nine with his father. Things may have changed over his 52 years as a member, however his reliability and commitment is just as strong.

“Each volunteer being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts.”