Dedicated volunteers from the Mid Murray area officially recognised

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Dominic Lane congratulated some of the Mid Murray area's most dedicated volunteers for their commitment to the Service.

Twenty two members were awarded with Long Service Medals by Assistant Commissioner Lane in an official ceremony in Tullakool today.

"It is a real honour to present these medals and I would personally like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of these outstanding volunteers," said Assistant Commissioner Lane.

Assistant Commissioner Lane said that between them, these men and women have amassed more than 472 years of service to both their brigade and the community.

"Everyone being recognised today is worthy of our most sincere thanks, however I would particularly like to acknowledge the three gentlemen who are being recognised for more than 40 years service with the NSW RFS.

"Len Hulands was one of the founding members of the Tullakool Brigade in the early 60's and I'm proud to say he has been an active member with the NSW RFS for more than 60 years.

"Len can tell stories about fighting fires with knapsacks and beaters before the progression to using fire carts. He also helped build the first fire truck in the area that enabled his brigade to better serve the local community.

"Michael Lahy and Graeme Flight are also long standing members of their respective brigades and both gentlemen have a great deal of local knowledge that has proved invaluable to their fellow brigade members over the years.

"Whilst preventing and fighting bush and grass fires may be our core expertise, more recently our members have also assisted the State Emergency Service with flood relief. It is this diversity that the Rural Fire Service prides itself on," said Assistant Commissioner Lane.

Assistant Commissioner Lane said there are 50 brigades in the Mid Murray area that respond to a range of bush and house fires as well as motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies each year.

"Each of these volunteers go over and above the call of duty to serve their community, a contribution that is worthy of our most sincere commendation," Assistant Commissioner Lane concluded.