Orana volunteers honoured and graduating cadets congratulated

Commissioner Fitzsimmons presented 26 volunteers with their Long Service Medals during a ceremony held at the Orana Fire Control Centre.

The 26 medal recipients have accumulated 659 years of service between them. Fourteen of the volunteers being honoured have been members for more than 20 years.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons made special mention of Raymond O'Brien, who was today awarded his Long Service Medal and 5^th Clasp in recognition of his 64 years of service.

"Raymond joined the Wongarbon Brigade in January 1950 and, to this day, still responds to incidents with that brigade as a tanker driver," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"Like Raymond, all the volunteers here today have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are a proud acknowledgement of their efforts.

"Each and every one of these volunteers is worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them, not only for their commitment to the Service, but also to their community.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons also congratulated 16 students from the Dubbo College, Delroy Campus on their successful completion of the NSW RFS Secondary Schools Cadet Program.

The program teaches students practical skills, including how to use a firefighting hose, as well as ideals such as commitment, leadership, teamwork and camaraderie.

"I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of the 16 students who have graduated from this course today," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"I would also like to thank Dubbo College, Delroy Campus Principal Stacey Exner and the Orana Team volunteers and staff for making the cadet program such a success."It is great to see such genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program and the Service is proud to pass on the ideals of volunteerism, community service, dedication and teamwork to the next generation."