Medals presented for RFS volunteers’ heroic Black Summer bushfire efforts

Sixty-two Rural Fire Service volunteers have had their heroic efforts honoured after protecting NSW communities from the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires.

At a presentation ceremony at the Narrabri Fire Control Centre, 22 of these volunteers were among a large contingent to be awarded the National Emergency Medal.

The medals were presented by Assistant Commissioner Paul Seager and Narrabri Shire Council mayor Ron Campbell.

RFS Superintendent Michael Brooks announced the medal recipients.

Asst Comm Seager described the evening as a special event where volunteers’ service to protect communities during a time of national emergency was recognised.

“We remember how devastating those fires were across the state of NSW,” Asst Comm Seager said.

Asst Comm Seager said the National Emergency Medal was presented in recognition of significant and sustained service to protect communities throughout the blackest of summers.

“I commend all those who will receive this medal. You performed under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable while the entire nation – and indeed the world – watched on,” he said.

“You went above and beyond to protect your towns and communities, your neighbours and visitors … and each other.”

Asst Comm Seager also praised the support of family and loved ones who enabled the service’s members to perform the crucial role of protecting communities during times of risk and danger.

“Commissioner Rogers has asked that I thank each of your families for their support – for you, our service and our mission,” he said.

During the ceremony, Asst Comm also reflected on the widespread devastation caused by the fires.

The catastrophic 2019-20 fire season is a not so distant memory for so many in the state after more than 5.5 million hectares of land was burned as a result of more than 11,000 bush and grass fires.

The Black Summer fires destroyed more than 2400 homes and another 1000 were damaged.

As a result of the devastating fires, 26 lives were lost.

“NSW had more than 280,000 firefighter deployments during the season, as well as support from interstate and around the world, including New Zealand, the United States and Canada,” Asst Comm Seager said.

“I know the Commissioner and executive are extremely proud of the role our members played in protecting NSW.

“The losses weigh heavily on all of us. That does not, however, take away from the fact that those losses would have been so much greater were it not for the work of our firefighters and the personnel from other NSW, interstate and overseas agencies who supported the RFS during this time.

“Each of you should be proud of your contribution – as should your fellow brigade members and families.”

Mayor Ron Campbell, who was among the dignitaries at the ceremony, thanked RFS volunteers for their extraordinary contribution to the community.

“The RFS is a wonderful organisation. The dedication that you show every day is amazing,” he said.

“The community appreciates everything you do.”

Medal recipients: Des Barton, John Bateman, Amelia Beer, Bryce Bowkett, Stephen Bradshaw, Philip Davies, Peter Brien, Michael Brooks, Jim Brown, James Brown, Amanda Brown, Matthew Bullock, Megan Davies, Stephen Eather, Stephen Carstens, Gregory Cassidy, Frank Atkins, Aimee Fladrick, Keith Grover, Russell Heiler, Philip Heiler, Daniel Heiler, Tyrone Hensley, Nigel Hobday, Andrew Laird, Richard Laird, Christopher Lawlor, Scott Lindfield, Elsie McClenaghan, Greg Morris, David Morris, Craig Morris, Caleb Newell-Frawley, Antony Nobilo, Ian Orman, William Pownall, Michael Promnitz, James Purcell, Roderick Ritchie, Richard Scilley, Stewart Scilley, Adam Scott, Katherine Scott-Dickinson, Garry Sellens, Kieran Shephard, Benjamin Shields, Garry Simmonds, Jason Simpson, Aidan Daly, Jock Smith, Luke Solomon, Cameron Staines, Benjamin Stiller, Alistair Todd, Rebecca Tribe, Herbert Tribe, Robin Trindall, Simon Varcoe, Amanda Wales, Timothy Wannan, Michelle Wheeler and Shane Wheeler.