Federation Support National Emergency Medal recipients (from left) Bill Wade, Nathan Cranston, Jessica Cottom, Luke Doering, Cpt Gary Reeve, SDC Lincoln Ash, Kathy Reeve and Rick Aitken.
Firefighters from the Southern Riverina and wider district were recognised for their service during the 2019/2020 bush fire season at a special ceremony in Corowa last week.
The National Emergency Medal is awarded to those who demonstrate sustained or significant service during ‘‘nationally significant emergencies’’.
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From the Southern Border region, 130 volunteers were recognised for their extended service during the 2019 bushfire season — most notably the Green Valley Fire near Jingellic and Lankeys Creek.
‘‘It was a real honour to be able to present National Emergency Medals to members of the Southern Border brigades who worked tirelessly during the 2019/2020 fire season,’’ said NSW Rural Fire Service’s Southern Border district manager Inspector Sandra Huer.
‘‘In this particular case this medal is being awarded to members who provided service for five days or more.
‘‘We calculated the combined years of service of just the 33 members present at the ceremony in Corowa was 574 years.
‘‘This reflects their dedication to training and operational preparation, undertaken to prepare them for the work they do so well.’’
Firefighters from at least 10 RFS brigades were formally recognised during the event.
They included Federation Support, Berrigan, Federation Fire Control Centre, Oaklands, Howlong, Tocumwal, Carabost, Finley, Bulgandra, and the Southern Border team.
‘‘Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state,’’ NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said during the event.
‘‘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.’’
RFS volunteers attached to the Mid Murray zone — including those at Jerilderie — will be honoured at further ceremonies held in coming months.
