RURAL Fire Service superintendent Paul Metcalfe was joined by special guests, including Moree Plains Shire deputy mayor Wayne Tighe, and fellow NSW Rural Fire Service members to present medals and officially handover three cutting-edge firefighting trucks at a ceremony at Pallamallawa and District Rural Fire Brigade depot on Sunday.

The event saw the presentation of 19 RFS Long Service Medals, acknowledging more than 500 years of combined volunteer service, a testament to the enduring commitment of local brigade members.

Superintendent Metcalfe said the gathering also marked the formal handover of new firefighting vehicles to the Bingara, Moree, and Pallamallawa and District Brigades, further strengthening response capacity ahead of the upcoming fire season.

“These ceremonies offer a chance to express our gratitude and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“Each medal signifies a story of dedication, sacrifice and community spirit, in many cases spanning several decades.

“To be recognising over five centuries of combined service is simply remarkable, and it speaks to the strong spirit of volunteering that exists in these rural communities,” he said.

Moree deputy mayor Wayne Tighe congratulated all award recipients.

“These awards recognise a group of very special volunteers, who have given so many years to their communities,” Mr Tighe said.

“The Rural Fire Service relies heavily on voluntary support, and to see so many dedicated firefighters give so much time to the service is incredible.

“These men and women epitomise what community spirit is all about, and it’s reassuring to know they are there when communities need them,” he said.

(from left) Chris McLachlan, Moree Plains deputy mayor Wayne Tighe, Julie McLachlan, Dennis Reilly and Allan McLachlan with one of the new firefighting trucks (Image Supplied).

Mr Metcalfe gave a special mention to group captain Paul Shaw and firefighter Peter Turnbull.

Mr Shaw, with Gragin Rural Fire Service, has amassed 58 years’ service.

“Appointed as the first Group Officer in the Moree Plains and Cunningham Zone in 1999, Paul has been a driving force in youth engagement, establishing the state’s first school-based cadet program in 2002,” Mr Metcalfe said.

Mr Turnbull, with Bangheet Rural Fire Service, has logged 52 years’ service.

“Since 1973, Peter has shown unwavering dedication to the RFS, earning deep respect for his knowledge and commitment to his brigade and community.”

Also honoured for 40 years’ service were Malcolm Gilby, from Avon Downs, and John McMaster from Oakey Creek.

Moree’s Peter Stanger, Dennis Reilly from Pallamallawa, and Mungindi’s Kym Stanford and Linda Riley, were acknowledged for 30 years’ service.

Carl Tooley (Warialda), Rhonda King (Bangheet), Justin Churchland and John Riley (Stonefield) and Todd Bellman and Cheryl Timmins from Croppa Creek were recognised for 20 years’ service.

Carolyn Bellman and Michael Jackson from Croppa Creek, Stuart Dick (Bingara), Tim Stanger (Moree) and Larry Hippi from Boggabilla were recognised for 10 years’ service.

The three new firefighting trucks, worth more than $1 million, form part of the RFS’s continued investment in strengthening emergency response in regional and remote areas.

“These vehicles will significantly enhance the ability of our frontline crews to respond swiftly and effectively,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“Brigades in this region often contend with remote and challenging landscapes. This new fleet ensures they are better equipped and supported.

“Providing modern, dependable equipment is essential to ensuring our volunteers have what they need to protect lives, property and the environment,” he said.