1,000 years of service recognised

RFS NSW Crest

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) honoured Central Coast District members for their longstanding commitment and thanked volunteers from all agencies and organisations for their continued dedication towards both helping and protecting the community, on May 20.

Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, and NSW RFS Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald attended a ceremony as part of Central Coast Volunteer Appreciation Day, where they presented 19 National Medals and 30 Long Service Medals to 48 recipients, in recognition of their extraordinary achievements and combined 1,050 years of service. “The hard work and professionalism of these and indeed all NSW RFS members does not go unnoticed, and while they do not ask for praise, we gladly award these medals as a proud acknowledgement of their contribution and commitment,” Mr Crouch said. “The Central Coast District is afforded a world-class level of fire protection due to the experience and dedication of our 57 Rural Fire Brigades, and we cannot thank them enough.” Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said, 24 of the 48 medal recipients have dedicated more than 20 years each to the Service and the community.

“Every member is worthy of the highest praise, however, I would like to make particular mention of, Mr Darryl McCutcheon, who is being awarded the Long Service Medal 4th Clasp, and, Glen Howe, who is receiving the National Medal 2nd Clasp,” Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said. “Darryl joined the Kariong Brigade and the Gosford Communications Unit in 1967, serving as Communications Captain, Communications Deputy Captain and Communications Senior Deputy Captain, before being elected Deputy Captain of the Central Coast Communications Brigade. “Glen is a life member of the Kariong Brigade, having joined in 1978, and serving in a variety of roles, including Captain, Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain and Brigade President. “It is an absolute honour to present these awards and to take a moment to reflect upon the outstanding achievements of all of these members.”

Source: Media release, May 21 NSW RFS Media