Two Central Coast Rural Fire Service firefighters are among 28 first responders in the state in the running to be recognised in the 2022 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.
Shane Hughes of Copacabana RFS and Kathy Lakeland of Saratoga/Brisbane Water RFS have been named among the state’s top emergency service workers.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, congratulated the two on being named as finalists.
“Our community has faced back-to-back natural disasters and challenging events over the past few years, whether it be drought, bush fires, COVID-19, floods or storms,” Crouch said.
“There seemed to be no respite for our first responders, including Kathy and Shane, but they never stopped working to protect our community.
“Their courage and commitment is exactly why we continue to thank them and recognise them for their ongoing service.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke, congratulated all finalists at Parliament House recently.
“Every year these awards honour those who have dedicated their lives to protecting people and property from a range of emergencies, hazards and severe weather events,” she said.
Finalists have been selected from a range of emergency service agencies, including Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance; NSW Rural Fire Service; NSW State Emergency Service, Surf Life Saving NSW and VRA Recue NSW.
Winners will be announced at an awards presentation evening on Saturday, August 13.
Terry Collins