Medals for service during 2019-20 fire season

20th Sep 2022

Members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) New England District have been awarded the National Emergency Medal for their efforts during the 2019-20 fire season.
New England District Manager Paul Metcalfe, along with distinguished guests presented the medal to 114 volunteers and staff who provided sustained or significant service during the devastating fire season.
The medal is awarded to those whose service must be in the protection of lives and property or in the service of interests that are not their own and who supported the emergency response for a minimum of five days between September 2019 and February 2020.
Members of the New England District played an integral part in the firefighting response during that season, including the Bee’s Nest Fire, Ebor and the Tingha Plateau Fire.
Many personnel went on to be dispatched to assist with the firefighting efforts across the state, as the fires moved from the New England area to the southern part of the State.
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, communications operators, strike-team leaders, aviation radio operators, logistics and Incident Management Team Support.
NSW RFS Paul Metcalfe praised the medal recipients for their courage and resilience.
“These medal ceremonies recognise brigade members from across the region and thank them for their incredible contribution over the 2019-20 season,” District Manager Paul Metcalfe 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.”

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