Media Release - Saturday, 5 December 2020

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Monaro District has recognised the bravery and service of 26 dedicated volunteers from Cooma Rural Fire Brigade today.

Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro thanked the Cooma Rural Fire Brigade volunteers, who have together given an impressive total of 717 years of service to the local community.

“In the Monaro we have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to our firefighters. The 2019/2020 bushfire season was the worst on record for our region and I am so thankful for the service and dedication of our emergency service personnel,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The members being recognised today with Long Service Medals and clasps range from 12 years to 46 years of service, with Ross Sherlock and Ian Brown each clocking up 46 years of service to their communities. A truly incredible achievement.”

“These 26 heroes are also being deservedly awarded Premier’s Citations today for their service during the last summer’s devastating bushfire season, which impacted all corners of the electorate.

Local MLC Bronnie Taylor joined NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner, Peter McKechnie and other guests to mark the occasion.

Mrs Taylor congratulated all of the volunteers and thanked them for their selfless commitment.

“These volunteers train up and gain a range of unique skills because they are driven by a common desire to protect their community,” she said.

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie commended each of the Cooma Brigade volunteers on their dedication and service to their communities.

“You only have to look at the last season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when fires and emergency situations threaten,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

He added the NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment, infrastructure and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Monaro.”

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”