More than 40 volunteers of the NSW Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) Hills District will be presented with ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Emergency Medals at a ceremony today in recognition of their service during Black Summer.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said Brigade members from The Hills were instrumental in battling blazes during the horrific 2019-20 bush fire season.
“The volunteers being honoured today have always answered the call, not only assisting with fires around Greater Sydney, but also helping communities in need across regional, rural and remote NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“You only have to look at this year’s devastating flooding to see how hard our firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe in the face of all manner of emergencies.”
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the ceremony, held at Castle Hill RSL Club, provides an opportunity to thank volunteers and acknowledge their decades of service.
“The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Emergency Medal is a significant award which is provided only to those who render significant or sustained service during nationally significant emergencies,” Mr Williams said.
“Today’s ceremony also provides us with the chance to thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues whose ongoing support and patience is required to enable our RFS volunteers to continue keeping our local community safe and strong.”
In addition to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Emergency Medals, eight ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medals and nine Long Service Medals will be presented.
RFS Assistant Commissioner Mathew Smith said each of The Hills District volunteers continue to display dedication and commitment.
“The volunteers who are being awarded their Long Service and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medals have dedicated a total of 585 years amongst them,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“The hard work and professionalism of all RFS members does not go unnoticed and while they don’t do it for praise, their contribution and commitment to the community is outstanding.”
