Southern Highlands Team congratulates long serving RFS volunteers

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie will join Nathaniel Smith, State member for Wollondilly, Cr Robert Khan, Mayor of Wollondilly Council and other special guests to mark the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the 38 recipients have together given a total of 921 years of service to the community.

“The members being recognised today with long service or national medals range from 11 to 73 years of service with a special mention of Brian Coates of Hill Top Brigade for his incredible 73 years of service to the NSW RFS and receipt of his national medal 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th clasps.”

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie congratulated each of the Southern Highlands volunteers on their dedication, commitment and service to their communities.

“You only have to look at 2019/2020 season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when fires and emergency situations threaten. Last season, many of these volunteers were also helping with grass fires and flood rescues, along with dealing with everyday incidents such as motor vehicle accidents and structure fires” he said.

He added the NSW RFS 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 would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Southern Highlands.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to protect our communities and to save lives.”