New North Albury Fire Station officially opened

Published: 20th September 2008

NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Assistant Commissioner Mark Brown, Director of Regional Operations, today officially opened the new $1.12 million North Albury Fire Station.

Assistant Commissioner Brown said the new station, which is located on the corner of Kaitlers and Nagle roads in Springdale Heights, was a real boost for the NSWFB and the community of Albury alike.

"Albury is an important regional centre in NSW and it supports significant industrial and commercial business as well as a population of almost 100 000 people.

"The new station will enable the firefighters from North Albury, together with their colleagues at Albury and Albury Civic fire stations and other emergency services in the area to maintain their dedicated service to the community."

Features of the new station include a double fire engine bay, operations room and Station Commander’s office.

Assistant Commissioner Brown said that the new station, which accommodates 18 retained, or on-call firefighters, also incorporated a number of environmentally-friendly features including a solar hot water system and rain water tanks.

"The NSWFB is committed to reducing the impact it has on the environment both in the way we respond to fire and other emergencies and how we construct fire stations and other NSWFB buildings.

"Solar hot water systems and rainwater tanks are now fitted at all new fire stations, with rainwater tanks also retro-fitted at older fire stations wherever possible," Assistant Commissioner Brown said.

Captain of North Albury Fire Station, Barry Gerrard said the firefighters were extremely happy with their new facilities.

"The new station is four times bigger than the old station which provides us with plenty of room for training and to clean and service all of the equipment.

"I'd encourage local residents to come down and visit the new station and to talk to the firefighters about fire safety and prevention."

During the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Brown presented five local firefighters and two retired firefighters with awards in recognition of their dedicated service to the NSWFB and the community. Amongst the award recipients was Captain Gerrard, who received the Third Clasp to the National Medal, in recognition of his 45-year career with the NSWFB.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

NAME - AWARD
  • Captain Barry Gerrard - Third Clasp to the National Medal1
  • Senior Firefighter Mark Shields - First Clasp to the National Medal
  • Station Officer David Herbert - Second Clasp to the National Medal
  • Retained Firefighter William Miller - First Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal2
  • Retained Firefighter Malcolm Coleman - Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Retired Retained Firefighter Mark Barlow - Long Service and Good Conduct Medal andCertificate of Service
  • Retired Retained Firefighter Clinton Wetmore - Certificate of Service

  1. The National Medal is awarded to firefighters who have served with the NSWFB for 15 years with clasps awarded for each additional 10 years of service.
  2. The NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded to firefighters who have served with the NSWFB for 10 years with clasps were awarded for each additional 10 years of service.