Jubilation as NSW RFS volunteers receive Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Australian Fire Service Medal is awarded as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service and is the highest NSW RFS award.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers congratulated the medal recipients on their achievement and thanked them for their incredible contribution.

"These members have worked tirelessly to help to fight fires, prepare the community every bush fire season and ensure a new generation of volunteers were trained, mentored and encouraged," He said.

"They represent the very best of the RFS and I'm proud to see their service formally recognised with this national honour," Commissioner Rogers said.

With a total 316 years of service between them, these recipients have dedicated decades to serve their community.

All eight recipients hold senior leadership roles within their Districts and have been nominated by their peers in recognition of their dedication and contribution.

The medals will be formally awarded at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House in September.

The AFSM recipients are:

• Deputy Group Captain Louis Cassar – Lower Hunter District
• Group Captain Scott Crossweller – Northern Beaches District
• Group Captain John Reed – Snowy Monaro District
• Group Captain (Retired) John Smith – Murrumbidgee District
• Group Captain Krystaal Hinds – Southern Tablelands District
• Group Captain (Retired) Brett Turner – Macarthur District
• Group Captain Fred Turner – Hunter Valley District
• Senior Deputy Captain Barry Whalan – Orana District

Full citations are available at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/eight-rfs-members-recognised-on-queens-birthday