Liverpool Range District honours volunteers and celebrates new Fire Control Centre and tankers

State Member for Upper Hunter Mr Michael Johnsen and NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers attended the ceremony at the new $5 million Liverpool Range Fire Control Centre in Quirindi, which also includes space for the new Braefield/Dury Rural Fire Brigade Station and Quirindi District Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Squad.

Mr Johnsen said the new facility provides enhanced support to Liverpool Range District volunteers and the communities they protect.

“The NSW RFS and state and local governments are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment and resources they need to protect their local communities,” Mr Johnson said

“This investment in Quirindi with the new Fire Control Centre plus brigade and VRA squad stations will help ensure an even greater level of service.

Deputy Commissioner Rogers said the new Fire Control Centre and brigade facilities will be used to conduct training and operational needs and features office space, training room and meeting rooms, kitchen, shed, workshop, and BBQ area, along with the technological requirements to accommodate large scale incidents.

“This provides more facilities for volunteers and the community to utilise,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

Twenty-nine Long Service Medals were also presented to members from the Liverpool Range District in recognition of their ongoing commitment to their local communities.

Deputy Commissioner Rogers said the 29 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 1,031 years of service between them.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate the two members who have given 60 years’ service, including Bruce Reid from the Coocooboonah Brigade and Errol Bates from the Bunnan Brigade.

“Thomas Judson, a member of the Braefield/Dury Brigade since 1947, must also be commended on his 71 years dedication which incorporates 54 years in the position of Brigade Secretary and Tresurer.

“We must also thank the service of the late John Begg, who has received a posthumous Long Service Medal for 35 years.

“Each volunteer being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“I know they will continue to serve their local communities for many years to come and share their knowledge, experience and firefighting skills both locally and further afield.”

Deputy Commissioner Rogers also congratulated the members of the Blandford Rural Fire Brigade on the handover of a Category 1 tanker, and the members of the Kelvin, Settlement and Warrah Creek Brigades who each received a Category 7 vehicle.

At the ceremony, a memorial garden was also dedicated to volunteers of the Liverpool Range District who have lost their lives while volunteering for the NSW Rural Fire Service, John McClean who sadly passed away in 1964 and Michael Hanley in 2003.