Two new stations, three new vehicles and veteran volunteers honoured

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald presented 96 Long Service Medals to volunteers from the Baradine, Coona Fringe and Tooraweenah Rural Fire Brigades.

"In total, these Long Service Medal recipients have accumulated an amazing 3,086 years of service between them," Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

"Each and every one of these volunteers is worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them for their commitment to the Service and their local communities.

"They have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication over many years and these medals are a fitting token of our appreciation."

Coona Fringe and Tooraweenah Brigade members also celebrated the official opening of their new stations, which both feature double truck bays, kitchens and storage areas.

"Both Brigades outgrew their previous sheds and the new facilities were built to provide the required space for training, meetings and storage," Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

"I would like to thank the Warrumbungle and Gilgandra Councils, which generously provided $21,060 and $17,550 respectively towards the construction of these important community assets."

Assistant Commissioner McDonald also congratulated Castlereagh Zone volunteers on the three newest additions to their firefighting fleet, noting the two fire trucks heading to Baradine and Tooraweenah Brigades as well as one new 4WD vehicle for the volunteer Group Commander, in the area of the Warrumbungle ranges.

"The NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do in protecting their local communities from fire," Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

"These new vehicles are replacing older style models and will allow firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to residents in the Castlereagh Zone."

"The NSW RFS is at the cutting edge of firefighting due to significant improvements in technology, training, equipment and communication, however the real strength of the Service resides in the quality, capability and tenacity of its people."