IN the past 12 months our community has endured a lot.

Many have been assisted by members of the Rural Fire Service.

In Medowie there is a team of volunteers that form our last defence against bush fires.

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They stand shoulder to shoulder with NSW Fire and Rescue, saving properties and lives and being there whenever we are in need.

Many members of the RFS have been entrenched in the organisation for years.

“Currently our youngest member is 18 and our oldest 83. We currently have approximately 50 members within the brigade.

“Medowie Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) is classed as a Village 2 brigade, which means we are equipped and trained for urban responses as well as bush fires.

“We are the primary response brigade in the Medowie area for all incidents including Motor Vehicle Accidents, structure fires, etc.

This is very true for the team at Medowie RFB that has just seen a combined 100 years’ of dedicated service recognised,” said Acting District Manager, Inspector David Millstead.

Recently a presentation of long service medals was made to five members of the Medowie Rural Fire Brigade, with one presentation made via Zoom.

Long Service Medals and/or clasps were presented to Senior Deputy Captain Peter Smith (30 years’ service), Trevor Dean (40 years’ service), Garry Higgs (10 years’ service), Craig Wood (10 years’ service) and Mark Langham (10 years’ service) who was able to join in the presentation through the marvels of technology.

“Well, that’s certainly a first for me,” joked Inspector Millstead when presenting the awards, “I’ve never presented an award via Zoom before.”

Inspector Millstead congratulated each of the recipients along with all brigade volunteers on their dedication, commitment and service to the community over the past 75 years.

“Most recently we have been assisting the SES with flood assistance.

“We have had multiple crews deployed to the Mid Coast region over the last 10 days on top of local incidents.

“Volunteers are always needed and they don’t all need to be on the fire front.”

If you would like to get involved in the RFS contact your local branch to find out more.

By Marian SAMPSON