Volunteers honoured as members celebrate new station and vehicles

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley said the new Gunnedah Headquarters station and new vehicles would enable local brigades to provide an even greater level of protection to the community.

The Gunnedah Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) station was purpose-built for its highly active and growing brigade, which previously shared a shed with the Gunnedah State Emergency Service.

Assistant Commissioner Midgley also had the pleasure of officially handing over a new fire fighting vehicle to the Curlewis, Gunnedah Headquarters, Spring Ridge, Braefield/Dury and Wallabadah brigades.

"These new trucks are replacing older style models and will allow firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to Liverpool Range residents," Assistant Commissioner Midgley said.

"The NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do to protect their local communities from fire."

Assistant Commissioner Midgley was honoured to present veteran volunteers with Long Service medals at two ceremonies today, in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the local community.

The 18 medal recipients have accumulated an impressive 542 years of service between them.

Assistant Commissioner Midgley made particular mention of volunteers Len Rowarth, Ron Kirby and Phillip Kelly, who were today awarded Life Membership Plaques in addition to the Long Service Medal 4^th Clasp.

"Every one of these volunteers has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts," Assistant Commissioner Midgley said.

"I know they 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.

"They are all worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them for their service.

"I would also like to extend the thanks of the Service and the local community to the members of all 52 Liverpool Range Zone brigades for the exceptional level of fire protection they provide."