Several National Medals and RFS long service medals were presented to deserving members at the Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Fire Control Centre Opening on Saturday afternoon.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The rare ceremony saw various emergency service personnel, officers and councillors attend to not only honour these eight recipients with a combined 246 years of experience and service, but to open the newly built $5 million centre.
RFS Assistant Commissioner Peter McKechnie said the awards are not only a commitment to the service, but a service so much beyond the local community.
"The national medal is the entire country recognising the service to the community and the RFS long service medal is just to recognise the length of their service," he said.
"We go through a process where peers can nominate a volunteer, or through the recognition of the district office and other areas, and then we will consider them for the awards.
"These people have definitely changed the way we do things and we appreciate all of our members and the work they do.
"We recognise the challenging times that all of our members are going through in these areas, so to be able to come down and celebrate something like this is really good."
Award recipients were:
Brian Hoare - National Medal for 21 years of service.
Russell Perry - National Medal for 22 years of service.
David Donaldson - National Medal for 26 years of service.
Andrew Bronwing - National Medal and first clasp RFS Long Service Medal for 29 years of service.
Keith McAllister - National Medal and first clasp RFS Long Service Medal for 33 years of service.
David Bryce - National Medal and first and second clasp RFS Long Service Medal for 36 years of service.
Doug Adamson - National Medal for 39 years of service.
David Lang - National Medal and first and second clasp RFS Long Service Medal for 40 years of service.
Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan also congratulated the worthy recipients for their long and diligent service.
"We honoured and acknowledged those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the local community," he said.
"Emergency services are incredibly important and I thank all of those involved in any of the services for their commitment to the community."
RFS Mid Murray zone manager Superintendent Tony Whitehorn the awards presentation was a great addition to the grand opening of the new fire centre, which he said represents more than $5 million investment not only for the local area, but part of NSW.
"I would like to thank all of those who that worked so hard over many years to bring this facility to Deniliquin," he said.
"This centre is a multi-hazard facility to be shared with the community, volunteers and emergency services of the Edward River, Murray River and parts of the Murrumbidgee fire districts.
"It will also serve as an emergency management facility for decades to come."
The funding for the facility was alolocated to the project by Edward RIver Council, and Cr Brennan said the NSW Government has taken the money and developed a facility "we can all be proud of".
"It is a purpose-built, state of the art facility which will provide a significantly enhanced emergency management capability for the local region," he said.
"During the design and construction, Edward River Council worked closely with the RFS and other stakeholders, and I would like to thank all those who have been involved in this quite lengthy process."
9°C