There were celebrations all round at Albion Park Rural Fire Service on Saturday when 20 volunteer firefighters were recognised for their service and the new fire station was officially opened.
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NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented 19 long service medals to volunteers in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the local community. Tony Hurry, who joined Albion Park RFS in 1980 received the National Medal for his extended service.
“Each of the volunteers being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“I know they will continue to serve their local communities for many years to come and share their knowledge, experience and firefighting skills both locally and further afield.”
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the 20 medal recipients had accumulated a total of 496 years of service between them, with two members having dedicated more than 40 years to their brigade.
“The NSW rural fire service in the largest fire fighting force in the world, with 74,000 members,” Mr Ward said.
“The Albion Park brigade has been around since 1950. To have reached a total of 496 years of service is an exemplary achievement and is an example of a brigade that has very passionate people.”
Mr Ward also officially opened the new Albion Park RFS station and joined Commissioner Fitzsimmons to hand over keys to a new fire tanker, a total $1.3 million investment in the Albion Park RFS.
“The old building was very dilapidated. Now they have a state of the art building with four new bays, a training area, mezzanine and kitchen, all new facilities that our volunteers deserve.”
”We also handed over the keys to a Category 1 tanker which can carry between 3,300 and 3,500 litres.
“Previously they had an old Category 2 which they’d had since 1998 and only carried about 2000 litres.”
“I would like to acknowledge the Albion Park RFS captain Fred Brown who has been a driving force behind these upgrades.
“The brigade themselves raised $85,000 towards the overall costs which is a real achievement.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the new Albion Park RFS station and fire tanker would enable volunteers to provide an even greater level of protection to the local community.
“The NSW RFS, state and local governments are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do to protect local communities from fire,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
