Hunter Valley District applauds dedicated members

One hundred and seventy-three National Emergency Medals, seven National Medals, 60 Long Service Medals, 17 Premier’s Citations and eight Interstate and International Deployment Pins will be presented to volunteers.

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie will join guests at Club Singleton to mark the occasion, with two ceremonies across the day to recognise the large number of recipients.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the National Emergency Medal was awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.

“Members of the Hunter Valley District played an integral part in the firefighting response during the 2019/20 fire season and rose to the challenge to protect communities,” he said.

“The members being recognised today with long service and national medals and or clasps range from 10 to 73 years of service, with a special mention of Charles Schmierer who is receiving his Long Service Medal 6th Clasp for 73 years and who I note is the second longest serving member of the Hunter Valley District and still attends the station regularly.”

“Life Memberships will also be presented to Alan Penfold Joy Patton of the Scotts Flat Brigade and we will honour members who assisted in Victoria during the 2018-19 fire season.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Hunter Valley area,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”