Volunteers honoured as members celebrate new station

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons was honoured to present 14 volunteers with Long Service medals today, in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the local community.

The 14 medal recipients have accumulated a total 450 years of service between them – seven members have dedicated more than 30 years to their Brigades.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons made particular mention of Richard Wright, who received his Long Service Medal 5^th Clasp in recognition of his 50 years of service.

Mr Wright joined the Myrtle Park Brigade in 1964 where he was an active member for 15 years before joining South Coree Brigade and serving as the Secretary / Treasurer for 26 years. In 2005 Mr Wright joined the Jerilderie Brigade and is still one of the first people on a truck when a fire call comes in.

"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," Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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 50 Mid Murray Zone brigades for the exceptional level of fire protection they provide."

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the new Jerilderie Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) station would enable volunteers to provide an even greater level of protection to the local community.

The station was purpose-built to house the Brigade's three vehicles and provide kitchen, bathroom, and training room facilities for its highly active members.