Eight Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers were recognised for long service to the organisation during a medal presentation at the Narrabri Fire Control Centre on Tuesday, June 10.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented the medals and two appreciation certificates thanking local businesses for their ongoing support to the service.
Busy Bee Auto Repairs owner Greg Morris and R and L Scilley Mechanical proprietors Richard and Linden Scilley received employer
appreciation certificates for not only being active RFS members, but, more importantly, for allowing their staff to attend emergency call outs during work hours. The long service medals recognised 13 to 56 years of membership in the RFS. Don McFarlane was the longest-serving recipient, having joined Jacks Creek brigade in 1957.
Alison McFarlane joined the same brigade in 1962, taking her to 51 years of service, while Deep Creek brigade member Len Hall racking up 41 years in the RFS. Other long-serving Jacks Creek members included Gale Young at 31 years, Alex Young at 28 years, Maryanne Young at 23 years, and Cliff Mackey at 13 years.
Michael Shields joined Baan Baa brigade 23 years ago and now serves in the Deep Creek brigade.
The final medal for 51 years of service was for Bullawah/Eulah Creek brigade member David Park, now living in Queensland, who received his medal during a visit to Narrabri in May.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons also handed over the keys to a new Toyota Landcruiser, which has been allocated to the Narrabri district as a category nine command vehicle with some firefighting capacity.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons was joined by the Grafton-based RFS region north manager, Chief Superintendent Brett Condie, Narrabri Shire mayor Conrad Bolton and RFS Namoi Gwydir team manager, Superintendent Michael Brooks, in thanking the volunteers for protecting their community.