Celebrations for Canobolas Zone with veteran volunteers and new tankers

At a ceremony held in Yeoval, NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Steve Yorke presented 63 Long Service Medals to volunteers from the Baldry, Washpen and Yeoval Brigades, in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the local community.

Assistant Commissioner Yorke said the 63 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 1996 years of service between them, with six members having dedicated more than 60 years to their brigade.

“Each of the volunteers being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts,” Assistant Commissioner Yorke said.

“I’d like to make special mention of John Munro, for his amazing 66 years of service with the Yeoval Brigade. Ray Kerin and Les Hunter have also been recognised for their 62 years of dedication to the same Brigade.

“Having spent the better part of the lives with the Washpen Brigade, Bernard Vaughan, Peter Vaughan and Michael Antrobus must be congratulated as well for their 61 years protecting the community.

“I know all recipients will continue to serve their local communities for many years to come and share their knowledge, experience and firefighting skills both locally and further afield.”

Assistant Commissioner Yorke also congratulated the members of the Cumnock and Washpen Brigades on the handover of their new trucks.

“Cumnock’s new Category Six tanker and the new Category One tanker for Washpen will enable the brigades to continue their outstanding work and I would personally like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism,” Assistant Commissioner Yorke said.

“These new trucks are worth more than $500,000 combined, but to the members of these brigades and to the local community they are a priceless resource.

“The NSW RFS, state and local governments are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do to protect their local communities from fire.”