Dedicated Mid Lachlan Valley members celebrated

A total of 22 members of the Brewer/Bootoowa Brigade were presented with Long Service Medals in today's ceremony to mark their on-going dedication to protecting their community in emergency situations.

"Many of these ladies and gentlemen have notched up more than 40 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service, an outstanding commitment that should be praised.

"It's hard to believe that this small group of volunteers have amassed more than 915 years of service between them, the sheer volume of experience and local knowledge represented here today is exceptional.

"The recent floods provided a great example of just how diverse our members are, with many NSW RFS volunteers in this area providing much needed assistance to their fellow community members whose homes and businesses were damaged in the devastating floods.

"Whether its floods or fires, these members are on call 24/7 to respond to all manner of emergencies. The work is often in the most challenging of conditions and these people continue to give of their time selflessly, year after year.

"I'd like to make particular mention of May O'Kane who joined the Bootoowa Brigade in 1950 before it merged with the Brewer Brigade. May has been a valued member of the brigade and performed a range of vital functions over the past 60 years.

"Helen Fair is another member who has shown exceptional commitment to her brigade having been an active member for half a century.

"Medals presented for more than 50 years of service are extremely rare and very special and I'd like to personally thank both May and Helen for the excellent example they are setting for younger members of their community.

"Each and every one of the volunteers here today is worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally praise them, not only for their commitment to the Service, but also their community," concluded Mr Curry.