New England Zone honours volunteers while celebrating new station and vehicle

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot, joined NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Rebel Talbert at the ceremony where they inspected the new facility for the New England Logistics and New England Remote Area Fire Team (RAFT) Brigades and thanked volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the New England Zone and the Service.

Mr Marshall said the new $600,000 station would provide enhanced support to volunteers as well as the brigades and communities they protect.

“This new station, co-located at Armidale Airport will further help members of the Logistics Brigade assist with vehicle movements, brigade station maintenance and the fighting of fires locally,” Mr Marshall said.

“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when bush fires and emergency situations threaten and I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the NSW RFS members for their outstanding efforts.”

Assistant Commissioner Talbert said the NSW RFS, working cooperatively with the state and local governments, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment, infrastructure and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

“I’d like to thank Armidale Regional Council for funding part of the station and I acknowledge the continuing efforts of all local members who will benefit from this new facility,” Assistant Commissioner Talbert said.

“Having the RAFT Brigade also co-located in this new station so close to the airport will be most beneficial, especially with the highly trained members being available for Rapid Aerial Response Team stand-up.”

Along with the New England Logistics Brigade receiving a new Category 17 general cargo truck worth $149,000, Assistant Commissioner Talbert also presented 17 Long Service Medals and two National Medals to members from the New England Zone in recognition of their ongoing commitment to their local communities.

“The 19 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 449 years of service between them,” Assistant Commissioner Talbert said.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate Frank White from the Tenterden Brigade, on his 38 years with the Service, and on receiving the NSW RFS Long Service Medal and 1st and 2nd Clasps today.

“This level of dedication is inspiring and I know that Frank continues to protect his local community as an extremely valued member of his Brigade and the Service.

“Well done also to Neil Clayton of the Devil’s Pinch Brigade on his 39 years’ service and receiving the National Medal 1st and 2nd Clasp.

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