Riverina Zone honours volunteers and celebrates new station

The Hon Bronwyn Taylor MLC and NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Jason Heffernan attended the ceremony where they inspected the new station for the Tarcutta Brigade and thanked volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the Riverina Zone and the Service.

Ms Taylor said the new Tarcutta Station on Sydney Street, worth $260,000, provided enhanced support to the volunteers and the communities they protect.

“This new facility features two vehicle bays, storeroom, kitchen, meeting room and amenities,” Ms Taylor said.

“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters work to keep us safe when fires threaten and I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the Tarcutta Brigade members for their outstanding efforts.”

Three National Medals and two Long Service Medals were also presented to Riverina Zone members in recognition of their dedication, commitment and service to the local area.

Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said the five medal recipients have accumulated a total of 147 years of service between them.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate James Simpson who has given 68 years’ service, joining the Lake Albert brigade in 1953 as an eight-year-old attending fires with his father,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

“A Group Captain since 1991 and Lake Albert Brigade’s first Life Member, James’ local knowledge and vast experience is a credit to his brigade and the Service and is worthy of receiving the National Medal and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Clasps.

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

“I know these members 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.”