The Mid Murray Zone of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) gathered recently to honour the bravery and dedication of its volunteers through its annual awards and medals presentation ceremony.
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The event was graced by special guests including RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart APM, Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie, Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall, RFS area commander south west Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White.
The two ceremonies, opened by the deputy commissioner, highlighted the dedication, service and sacrifice of all volunteers.
He reiterated that we don’t volunteer to receive awards and medals, but out of wanting to serve our community.
The first presentation made was a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service.
This prestigious award stemmed from an incident on December 12, 2023 during which Group Captain Dale Bowles suffered a fatal medical episode while responding to a car fire in Moama.
Arriving first on scene, the crew of Moama 1 Bravo were confronted by a car fully involved in fire as members of the public provided CPR to Group Captain Bowels, just metres away from the burning car.
Firefighter Chloe Judd positioned the appliance in a defensive position and took control of the medical situation, while Deputy Captain Gary Heyen retrieved the defibrillator from the appliance.
As they provided medical assistance, firefighter Aiden Mackenzie single-handedly operated the pump and extinguished the car fire.
“The actions of the crew on Moama 1 Bravo at this incident exemplified the values, skill and dedication of the RFS under the most difficult of circumstances,” the citation read.
Three members of the public who rendered assistance during the incident were presented with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
Eliza Ham, Warwick Ham and Julie Langlands were driving past the incident before the arrival of RFS and ambulance and their efforts to try to save the life of Group Captain Bowles were highlighted.
National Medals and Clasps are presented to members of the RFS in recognition of 15 years of diligent service, with the addition of a clasp for every 10 years of subsequent service.
Two members received the National Medal - Laurie Coonan for 21 years of service with the Deniliquin and Brassi brigades, and Gerard James received the 25 years diligent service National Medal and 1st clasp for his 33 years with the Bunnaloo brigade.
From the Murray River Council area, 15 RFS members were presented with long service medals, representing a combined 535 years of service. This includes 168 of combined service from four Thyra members.
Recipients by brigade were as follows:
Moulamein - Alesha Buckly, Jason Buckley, Wayne Bennett, Garry Russell, and Ian ‘China’ Gibson.
Thyra - Helen Jennison, Janet Jennison, Graeme Jennison and Donald Jennison.
Moama - Todd McCallum, Colin Munro, Garry Heyen, Gregory Gilmour and Anthony Gilmour.
From the Edward River Council region, 22 volunteers received long service medals, representing a combined service of 826 years. This includes 312 years from eight Mayrung volunteers, and 101 years from two Birganbigil members.
At the ceremony, Cr Hall echoed Deputy Commissioner Stewart’s sentiments in highlighting the critical role of volunteers in protecting the community.
Recipients by brigade were as follows:
Mayrung - Jonathon Clark, Stephen Ball, Gordon ‘Kenneth’ Jarrott, Keith McAllister, Trevor Clark, Gordon Ball, Walter Beer and John Beer.
Birganbigil - Lawrence Beer and John Dunmore.
Tuppal - Lauren Smits, Stephen Edwards, Gavin Wade, Greg Sandford, Gavin Mullens, Lawry Smits, Andrew Cochrane, Greg Wade, Greg Doherty, Bradley Chalmers, Nick Metcalfe and Timothy Burge.
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