Godfreys Creek RFB volunteers celebrate new station and long serving members

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne AFSM declared the $164,000 station open and also presented Long Service Medals to 11 volunteers from across the South West Slopes area.

Assistant Commissioner Browne said that this is the first station specially built for Godfreys Creek RFB and will help members provide an ever greater level of fire protection to the local community.

“The new station features a number of truck bays, kitchenette, storeroom and toilet,” Assistant Commissioner Browne said.

“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters work to keep us safe and this facility provides them with the space to perform vital activities away from the fireground, such as maintenance of equipment and training.”

Assistant Commissioner Browne also presented 11 Long Service Medals to members from across the South West Slopes area, in acknowledgement of their commitment to the Service and community.

“Justin Whittaker, John Langfield and Richard Flannery have all given more than 60 years of service to the Godfreys Creek RFB which is a remarkable achievement,” Assistant Commissioner Browne said.

“Richard has given some 66 years of service and has served in a number of positions including as Captain for 46 years.

“The NSW RFS has come a long way since Richard joined in 1952 and to this day, he remains a very active and lively member of Godfreys Creek RFB and the South West Slopes area more broadly.

“While these members do not volunteer their time for the accolades, I am proud to present them with these medals as an acknowledgement of their efforts.”

Assistant Commissioner Browne said the occasion was the perfect opportunity for the community to acknowledge and pay tribute to the efforts of local volunteers and their families.

“It is an absolute honour to present these awards and to take a moment in which we can reflect upon the outstanding contribution of these members.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support and patience to help Rural Fire Service volunteers do what they do.”