NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers from across the North West region have been recognised for decades of service to the community.
Among them were several from the Gunnedah area including Malcolm Robinson (30 years), Phillip Miegel (20 years) and James Dowd (10 years).
Across the region, many more volunteers were also recognised including Pat Morgan (50 years), Geoff Phillips (40 years), John Ceissman (30 years), Garth Hoy, Toby Jaeger, Natalie Haydon and Robyn Styles (10 years).
Scott Goodworth was awarded the National Emergency Medal and Malcolm Clarke life membership to Quirindi Rural Fire Brigade.
Mr Miegel, who also volunteers with the NSW SES Gunnedah Unit as the local commander, was honoured to be recognised for his two-decade commitment to the RFS.
Like many of his volunteer colleagues in both the SES and RFS, he said it was the sense of service that kept him in the roles year after year.
“It is about giving back to the community,” Mr Miegel said.
“It’s a real privilege to do that.”
The long-time, volunteer firefighter described his time supporting other brigades around the state as some of the most memorable.
He recalled big blazes at the Snowy Mountains and closer to home, at the Pilliga, as among the more notable call-outs.
Wherever and with whoever they went, the sense of responsibility to public was always the same.
“We’re there to protect the community,” he said.
“You need a good team behind you in support.
“We’re lucky to have that here.”
NSW Rural Fire Service members are awarded for 10 years of long service with impellers and clasps awarded for each subsequent 10 year period of service. The Long Service Medal was instituted on May 4, 2009 and replaced the former Long Service Badges.
