Memorial commemorates the 50th anniversary of firefighter deaths

David Clarke MLC joined local volunteers at the unveiling of the memorial plaque at the Shaw’s Ridge Fire Trail in Winmalee today.

“Killed in the line of duty on 29 October 1968, Captain Tom Chalmers of the Faulconbridge Brigade and firefighters Greg Eley and Peter Hawkins of the Warrimoo Brigade were selfless and committed volunteers who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Clarke said.

"Today is an opportunity to recognise their lives and exemplary dedication, and to thank them for their incredible service to the community.

“This memorial will serve as an ongoing reminder of the sacrifice they made to protect the community, and be a special place their fellow firefighters can visit to honour their memory.”

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that it is an unfortunate fact that members of the service are often working in the most dangerous of circumstances.

"Day after day, hundreds of men and women across the state put their lives on the line for the protection of their communities,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Volunteers go out of their way to help people caught by natural disasters, be it a bushfire, storm or flood, or those who find themselves lost or in accidents.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said today is an opportunity to honour the sacrifice made by all volunteers, especially these three brave men, who never came home.

"Tom, Greg and Peter’s unwavering dedication stands as a testimony to the calibre of our volunteer firefighters,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Their brigades, colleagues and families should be rightly proud of their legacy."