More than 60 NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers from across the Hawkesbury District have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to protecting the community during the Hawkesbury District Medal Presentation Ceremony at Richmond Club on Saturday.
The ceremony honoured volunteers whose combined service totals more than 1,700 years, with 14 National Medals and Clasps and 53 Long Service Medals and Clasps presented in recognition of decades of dedication to emergency service.
Leading the list of recipients was Grose Vale Brigade member Ken Clewett, who was honoured for an extraordinary 70 years of service.
Mr Clewett joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1956 and was presented with the National Medal 6th Clasp. During his remarkable volunteer career he has served as Deputy Captain for more than 51 years, held the offices of Vice President and President for a combined 33 years, and has also been awarded Life Membership of the Grose Vale Brigade.
Receiving recognition for 60 years of service was Dennis Mitchell, while Garry Jones was honoured for 50 years of dedicated volunteer service.
Five Hawkesbury volunteers were recognised for reaching the significant milestone of 40 years' service:
- Ken Thorn
- Michael Dolan
- Peter Frazer
- Jim Newton
- Peter Gibb
Together, these eight volunteers represent 390 years of service to the Hawkesbury community.
Presenting the awards, NSW RFS Acting Assistant Commissioner Josh Atkins praised the remarkable commitment shown by the volunteers.
"These awards recognise an extraordinary level of dedication. Every medal represents years of selfless service by volunteers who have stepped forward to protect lives, property and communities during fires and other emergencies, often while making significant personal sacrifices," Mr Atkins said.
He said many recipients had served far beyond their local communities.
"Many of today's recipients have contributed well beyond their local brigades, deploying to major incidents across NSW, interstate and overseas. Their knowledge, experience and leadership continue to benefit the entire Service."
Mr Atkins reserved special praise for Mr Clewett's exceptional contribution.
"Special recognition will also be given to Grose Vale Brigade member Kenneth Clewett, who joined the Service in 1956. Mr Clewett will be awarded the National Medal 6th Clasp in recognition of 70 years of service. During that time, he served as Brigade Deputy Captain for more than 51 years, held the positions of Vice President and President for a combined 33 years, and has also been awarded Life Membership of the brigade."
The Acting Assistant Commissioner said the Hawkesbury District continues to benefit from volunteers who embody the very best of community service.
"Our Hawkesbury volunteers exemplify the spirit of service. Whether responding on the fireground, supporting emergency operations or passing on their knowledge to the next generation of members, their commitment plays a vital role in keeping communities safe."
He also acknowledged the families, employers and friends who support volunteers throughout their years of service.
"I also extend my sincere thanks to the families, employers and friends who stand behind our volunteers. Their ongoing support enables our members to continue serving their communities year after year."
Long Service Medals recognise volunteers who have demonstrated sustained commitment over many years, while National Medals acknowledge long and diligent service by members of recognised government and emergency service organisations.
For many of this year's recipients, those decades of service have included responding to some of the Hawkesbury's most significant bushfires, floods and storms, as well as deployments to assist communities across New South Wales and beyond.
The annual awards ceremony is one of the Hawkesbury District's most important occasions, recognising not only the operational firefighters who respond when emergencies strike, but also the many volunteers who contribute through training, logistics, communications, administration, community engagement and brigade leadership.
As bushfire seasons become increasingly challenging, the experience, knowledge and dedication of these long-serving volunteers remain one of the Hawkesbury's greatest community assets.
The Hawkesbury Gazette congratulates all award recipients and thanks every NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer for their continuing commitment to keeping the Hawkesbury safe.
