Urana volunteers’ commitment praised

Assistant Commissioner Jason Heffernan presented 38 volunteers with their Long Service Medals and acknowledged their unfailing dedication to the Service during a ceremony held at Urana Bowling Club.

“In total, these Long Service Medal recipients have accumulated 1,626 years of service between them,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

“Each and every one of these volunteers are 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.”

Assistant Commissioner Heffernan made particular mention of Bruce Cooper, who has been a valued member of the Service for 66 years.

“Bruce joined the NSW RFS in 1950 and has attended many fires and incidents. Bruce remains an active and valued member of the brigade,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said the 77 brigades in the Urana District respond to a range of bush, grass and house fires, as well as motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies, each year.

“The NSW RFS is at the cutting edge of bush firefighting due to significant improvements in technology, training, equipment and communications, however the real strength of the Service is its people,” Assistant Commissioner Heffernan said.

“These men and women have been part of the Service during an incredible period of growth and transformation and the experience and knowledge within their ranks illustrates this.  

“All of the volunteers here today have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are just a small token of our appreciation.”