NSW RFS Mid Murray Zone Manager Superintendent Tony Whitehorn was in the region last week to the National Emergency Medal to 13 volunteers “who provided sustained or significant service during the devastating fire season”.
The National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.
Members of the Mid Murray Zone played an integral part in the firefighting response during that season, including deployments from the far north of the state to the far south, involving 25 out-of-area strike teams,” Supt Whitehorn said.
Personnel were dispatched to assist with the firefighting efforts across the state, including Southern Border, Riverina Highlands, Snowy Monaro, New England, Northern Tablelands, Clarence Valley, Lower North Coast, Far South Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.
The team rose to the challenge and continued to assist local brigades battling fires throughout the season through a range of roles, including as firefighters and strike team leaders.
Superintendent Whitehorn praised the medal recipients for their courage.
“We recognise brigade members from across the region and thank them for their incredible contribution over the 2019-20 season,” he said.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state.
“They performed admirably during an incredibly difficult fire season and went above and beyond when deployed to other regions to help local brigades battle devastating blazes.”
Murrumbidgee region recipients of the National Emergency Medal are:
- Andrew Browning, Argoon Brigade
- Benjamin Browning, Argoon Brigade
- Shane Foster, Argoon Brigade
- David Leeds, Argoon Brigade
- Andrew Sleigh, Argoon Brigade
- David Bryce, Booroobanilly Brigade
- Graham O’Connell, Emery Brigade
- Jack Anthony, Jerilderie Brigade
- Christopher Barron, Jerilderie Brigade
- William Hanna, Jerilderie Brigade
- Roger Harris, Jerilderie Brigade
- Joseph Mula, Jerilderie Brigade
- Terrence White, Jerilderie Brigade
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