Generous donation supports Southern Highlands Team volunteers

The Category 13 Tanker was bequeathed to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) by Mrs Cecile Griffin, who was a resident of the local area and wanted her legacy to include giving back to the community.

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley said the donation, one of many amongst volunteer and charitable organizations from Mrs Griffin, will greatly assist the Southern Highlands Team.

“This new vehicle will provide volunteer firefighters with extra resources they need to carry out the important work they do in protecting their local communities from fire," Assistant Commissioner Midgely said.

"The new Category 13 truck worth around $380,000 will be stored at the Wingecarribee Fire Control Centre and maintained by the Wingecarribee Support Brigade, allowing firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to residents of the Southern Highlands area.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to give sincere thanks to the late Cecile Griffin and the Executors of her Will for this most generous donation.

Assistant Commissioner Midgley also acknowledged the ongoing investment in local volunteers in the Southern Highlands area.

"Members of the Southern Highlands Team continue to protect their community from grass, forest and house fires as well as motor vehicle accidents," Assistant Commissioner Midgley said.

"These men and women make themselves available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

“The new tanker will also put local brigades in a strong position to protect their community, as well as providing the unique essential equipment required to handle any necessary scenario.

"This new fire tanker will enable the brigades to continue their outstanding work and I would personally like to thank everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism, as acknowledged here today by the members of the community they protect.”