Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade celebrates 60 years

Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade members gathered today to mark their 60th anniversary, a significant landmark for the brigade that was formerly known as the 'West Pennant Hills Bush Fire Brigade'.

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RSFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Cherrybrook brigade members are relied upon, both in their local district and further afield, for their experience and firefighting skill.

"Earlier this year brigade members joined with around 100 of their colleagues to fight a large factory fire that affected ten franchises at the Dural Business Centre in North Western Sydney.

"The ladies and gentlemen of the Cherrybrook Brigade are also the first to put their hand up to assist with emergencies in other parts of the State and throughout Australia.

"Cherrybrook Brigade members provided much needed assistance to victims of the widespread flooding in Hay and Southern NSW at the start of the year. They also travelled across the border to Victoria to help fight the devastating Black Saturday bush fires in 2009.

"The Brigade was also heavily involved in other recent major fires such as the Mount White New Years Day Fires in 2009, the Glenorie Fires in 2008 and Blue Mountains Fires in 2001.

"The Cherrybrook brigade remains a strong institution in the community and in recent times that has been reflected in their growing membership numbers.

"Over half a century ago the residents of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook banded together to respond to bush and grass fires and it's heartening to see that dedication still going strong 60 years later," said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

"In celebrating 60 years we'd like to say a sincere thank you to the volunteers and also their families and loved ones for their support.

"It is a great honour to be celebrating 60 years of community protection and I know these volunteers will still be here continuing to serve their local community in years to come," said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.