Volunteers praised for long-term commitment to the Rural Fire Service
Published Date: 01 Apr 2016
Summary
Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented 50 volunteers with their Long Service Medals and acknowledged their unfailing dedication to the Service during a ceremony held at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
“In total, these 50 Long Service Medal recipients have accumulated 1, 587 years of service between them,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons made particular mention about Ken Burns (Posthumous) and Mark Seaman, who have both been valued members of the Service for 61 and 63 years respectively.
“Mark Seaman joined the Bruinbun Brigade in 1953. Since then he has held the position of Deputy Captain, Brigade President and Brigade Training Officer. This demonstrates his commitment to the local brigade and community,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“Ken Burns joined the Triangle Flat Brigade in 1953 and joined the Rockley Brigade in 2009 when the two brigades merged. Ken Burns will always be remembered as a respected member of the brigade and also as a very valuable member of the RFS.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the 21 brigades in the Bathurst area 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,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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.”
