North West Zone honours volunteers while celebrating new vehicle

Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the NSW RFS, working cooperatively with the state and local governments, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and other emergencies.

“This state of the art Category 1 tanker replaces an existing 2012 Isuzu which will be handed on to serve another local brigade, as part of the tanker replacement program,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“The previous vehicle served the Brigade well for many years and I am confident this new state-of-the-art tanker will enable the Coonamble HQ Brigade to provide an even greater level of fire protection to the local community,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Along with the new Category 1 fire tanker, Commissioner Fitzsimmons also presented 21 Long Service Medals and one National Medal to members from the North West Zone in recognition of their ongoing commitment to their local communities.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the 21 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 440 years of service between them.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate Russell Reynolds from the Teridgerie Brigade, on his 61 years with the Service, and on receiving the NSW RFS Long Service Medal 5^th Clasp today.

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

“Well done to Pauline Ditchfield, also of the Teridgerie Brigade on her 49 years’ service and receiving the Long Service Medal 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd 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, said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.