News
1 October, 2025
RFS volunteers recognised for over 2,000 years of combined service
Seventy NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers from across the Southern Highlands and Wollondilly brigades were commended for close to 2,000 years of dedication and commitment to their communities in a medal presentation at Mittagong RSL Club last Thursday night.
Seventy NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers from across the Southern Highlands and Wollondilly brigades were commended for close to 2,000 years of dedication and commitment to their communities in a medal presentation at Mittagong RSL Club last Thursday night.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin was amongst the special guests invited including Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould, Wingecarribee councillor (and RFS volunteer herself with the Wingello brigade), Cr. Therese Duffy, Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman.
Dignitaries invited gave short addresses and congratulated the volunteers for their dedicated service.
Michael Garside, Ben Gifford, and Craig Muddle were awarded with Northern Territory Wildfire Emergency Response Citations, with Norm Brittain (Moss Vale brigade) and Trevor Thompson (awarded posthumously) awarded with Commissioner’s Unit Citations for Service (for their roles in the 2019/2020 Joint Agency Fire Investigation Taskforce).
And another volunteer, John Fergusson was acknowledged with five long service clasps for an incredible 68 years of service to his brigade.
Along with the medals and citations the keys were officially handed over for three new, state-of-the-art Isuzu FTS 139S fire trucks for the Alpine, Douglas Park and Penrose brigades.
“These new category 1 bush fire tankers are a welcomed increase in capability for the Southern Highlands district,” said Commissioner Curtin.
“With increased safety and technology, these new appliances represent a major step forward in supporting our frontline volunteers with the tools they need to protect lives, property, and the environment.
“The brigades receiving these trucks operate in challenging terrain and remote areas; this new fleet ensures they are better equipped to respond quickly and safely,” said Commissioner Curtin.
He also acknowledged that as the new Commissioner of the RFS, he was in awe of the dedication that members give to their local communities.
“These medal ceremonies are an important opportunity to celebrate and thank our volunteers for their extraordinary service to the community,” the Commissioner said.
“Each medal represents years, and in many cases, decades of commitment, sacrifice, and selfless service.
“I would like to give a special mention to Norman Britain (Moss Vale), Roy Woods (Mandemar), and John Fergusson for more than 60 years of service each,” Commissioner Curtin added.
“This level of commitment and sacrifice is truly remarkable, and we need to make sure that the families and employers of these members are also recognised for allowing these volunteers to give the time that they do.
“Often these members are missing significant family events and holidays, all to protect communities and people they may have never met.”
Read More: Southern Highlands, Wollondilly