National Service Medal recipients from the Murray River Council East section of the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service.
Members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Mid Murray District have been awarded the National Emergency Medal for their efforts during the 2019-20 fire season.
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District manager Superintendent Tony Whitehorn presented the medal to 17 volunteers and staff who provided sustained or significant service during the devastating fire season.
The National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.
“Members of the Mid Murray District played an integral part in the firefighting response during that season, including deployments from the far north of the state to the far South involving 25 out-of-area strike teams,” Mr Whithorn said.
“Personnel were dispatched to assist with the firefighting efforts across the state, including Southern Border, Riverina Highlands, Snowy Monaro, New England, Northern Tablelands, Clarence Valley, Lower North Coast, Far South Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.
“The team rose to the challenge and continued to assist local brigades battling fires throughout the season through a range of roles, including as firefighters, strike team leaders, rural liaison officers and logistics officers.”
NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers praised the medal recipients for their courage.
“Today we recognise brigade members from across the region and thank them for their incredible contribution over the 2019-20 season.” Commissioner Rogers said.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state.
“They performed admirably during an incredibly difficult fire season and went above and beyond when deployed to other regions to help local brigades battle devastating blazes.”
Receiving National Emergency Medals in the weekend’s ceremony were: Christopher Wilson from the Brassi Brigade; Gerard James, John Pocklington, Douglas Scott and Adam Scott from the Bunnaloo Brigade; Kevin Barnes, Alan Barnes and Peter McDonald from the Caldwell Brigade; Peter Mackenzie, Thomas Mackenzie, Philip Masters, Todd McCallum and Brett Cubit from the Moama Brigade; Dale Bowles, Stephen Hazell, Russell Pearson and Malcolm Starritt from the Womboota Brigade.
Ceremonies for other Mid Murray RFS Zone brigades will be held over coming months.
Councillor Dennis Gleeson with medal recipients Kevin (left) and Alan Barnes.
(From left) Superintendent Tony Whitehorn with medal recipients Dale Bowles and Gerard James.
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