Firefighters from Trangie and Narromine recognised for dedicated service with the NSW Fire Brigades
Published: 10th December 2007
NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Chief Superintendent Neil Harris, Area Commander Regional West, paid tribute to six retained firefighters from Trangie and Narromine during a ceremony held at Trangie Fire Station on Saturday 8 October.
Chief Superintendent Harris, who presented the firefighters with awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment, said retained firefighters were vital to NSWFB operations in regional areas.
"The NSWFB has more than 3000 retained, or on-call, firefighters in rural and regional communities across NSW. Their dedication and support is crucial to ensuring the safety of these communities.
"The firefighters from Trangie and Narromine are a close knit team having worked together over many years to protect the towns and surrounding areas. The firefighters we are recognising here today have over a century of service between them.
"These firefighters are a credit to their families and the community and I thank them for their commitment and contribution," he said.
During the ceremony Captain Dave Wake was awarded a Personal Commendation for Meritorious Service for his actions at fuel tanker fire in the town of Albert on 25 May 2006.
Captain Wake, hampered by a blackout which affected all communications in the area, took control of the incident, coordinated the involvement of the NSWFB and Rural Fire Service to bring the fire under control quickly and ensured that the incident was brought to a safe conclusion.
Chief Superintendent Harris also awarded a Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service to Deputy Captain Tony Terry and Retained Firefighters David Mula and Rodney Barclay, also from Trangie Fire Station, and Captain Wake, for their actions at the same incident.
"Under difficult conditions, these four firefighters responded to the incident with bravery and determination to prevent the fire spreading to the nearby fuel storage and distribution depot and homes. Their actions are a credit to the town of Trangie and the NSWFB," he said.
Deputy Captain Bob Treseder from Narromine Fire Station was presented with the 3rd Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal recognising over 40 years of diligent long service and good conduct with the NSWFB, while Retained Firefighter Ewen Jones was presented with the National Medal, awarded by the Australian Governor General, for long service of 15 years and dedication to protecting life and property.
Chief Superintendent Harris congratulated all the award recipients for their dedication to the NSWFB.
"The firefighters that have been honoured are outstanding members of the NSWFB and the communities they serve."
Superintendent David Felton, Zone Commander Central West, took the opportunity to acknowledge both the new fire engine that was delivered to Trangie Fire Station earlier this year and the renovations to the station.
"The new fire engine and renovations to the station are a significant boost for emergency protection in the area. Firefighters now have a state-of-the art fire engine to complement the existing rescue fire engine and a modern fire station which will enable them to better meet the needs of the community," Superintendent Felton said.