Firefighters and their families from NSW Rural Fire Service Central Coast District gathered recently at Doyalson/Wyee RSL Club for their annual Volunteer Appreciation Day, District Medals Presentation and Blessing of the District Fleet.
It was an event to acknowledge 58 firefighters who had been awarded National Medals and Long Service Medals in recognition of their years of service to the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Also, there were six recipients of the St Florian’s Day Award, Commissioners Unit Citation for Service.
These awards had been announced as part of the 2024 St Florian’s Day ceremony held at the RFS State Training Academy Dubbo on May 4.
Members not able to attend the Dubbo ceremony were presented with their citations on Sunday, May 19, by RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie.
They were: Captain Nathan Goodbun, Senior Deputy Captain Kevin Griffiths, Deputy Captain Sarah Burns, Deputy Captain Donna Gardiner, Operational Officer Josh Sullivan, Operational Officer Simon Jackson and firefighter Jack Griffiths.
Among others to receive awards were Luke Sandford (National Medal 15yrs service), Gail Simpson (National Medal 15yrs service, 25yrs 1st clasp and Life Member), Tanya Shepherd and Darren Kelly (10yrs service), Jim Holmes and Chris McInerney (20yrs service) and Dave McInerney (30yrs service).