Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade celebrated 60 years of serving the community on October 8 at a special ceremony where 12 members were honoured for their outstanding efforts in the 2019-20 Black Summer fire season.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, attended the day, along with RFS Hunter Area Commander Kam Baker, Central Coast RFS zone manager, Viki Campbell, Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart volunteers from the brigade as well as Avoca brigade and residents.
“It’s wonderful to help celebrate such a special event,” Crouch said.
“Copacabana has changed so much over the past 60 years and so too has this Brigade.
“It’s also an honour to be presenting 12 of our volunteer firefighters with National Emergency Medals.
“These members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting people and property in what was NSW’s most difficult fire season.
“Right throughout Black Summer the Copacabana Brigade went above and beyond fighting blazes on the Central Coast as well as in strike team deployments to support other communities battling blazes.”
The National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia, including the 2019-2020 bush fires.
Baker said Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade has developed significantly since its inception in October, 1962, when its firefighting equipment consisted of little more than metal water knapsacks, leather fire beaters, and a couple of fire extinguishers.
“In its first year the Brigade fought two serious fires and saved seven houses, all with no station, no pump, no fire truck, and no modern communications,” he said.
“Our volunteers should be immensely proud of their efforts and dedication to the protection of the local community and indeed the entire state.”
Those receiving medals on the day were Captain Shane Hughes, Senior Deputy Captain Clint Pressley, Deputy Captains Josh Ford, Greg Trusler and Matt Francis and firefighters Jim Bruton, Rob Milne, Jack Ardzejewski, Hannah Langbridge, Ken Langbridge and Paul Madigan.
The 12th recipient, Matthew McLeod, was not present on the day.
Source:
Media release, Oct 10
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch