Cumberland Zone volunteers’ commitment praised

 NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented 16 volunteers with their Long Service Medals and four volunteers with National Medals during a ceremony held at St Marys Band Club.

"In total, these 18 medal recipients have accumulated 317 years of service between them," Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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."

Commissioner Fitzsimmons made particular mention of Michael Kidd and Adam Fawcett, who have both been valued members of the Service for 25 years, and today were awarded National Medals in recognition of their years of going above and beyond for the Brigade.

"These men have given significant amounts of their time to attend major fires, both in their local areas and further afield. Both hold senior leadership positions with their Brigades', which speaks highly of the confidence their peers have in them," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the 16 brigades in the Cumberland Zone respond to a range of bush, grass and house 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," Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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 a token of our appreciation."