However, Leeton’s State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers were treated to a special visit from NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant last week who did just that. 

Not only did Mr Grant hand out several service awards to the Leeton crew, but he also gave up the keys to a new truck for the organisation to use. 

Member for Murray Adrian Picolli was also on hand, as was Leeton mayor Paul Maytom. 

Among those recognised for their hard work was Rodney Boots, Bryan Protheroe and Karen Protheroe. 

The trio were given the NSW SES National Medal Clasp One.

Stewart Ramsey received a 20-year long service clasp set and Kristen Johnston received a five-year long service certificate.

“We acknowledge more than 100 years of combined service and thank these local heroes for their dedication to the safety of their community,” Mr Grant said.

“While all volunteers in the NSW SES show an extraordinary level of commitment, award presentations such as this provide us with an opportunity to pay special tribute to those volunteers whose accumulated wisdom and experience is simply irreplaceable.”

The new vehicle, which was officially given to the Leeton SES on Wednesday is top-of-the-range and will allow the volunteers to complete their work effectively when they are called on. 

Both Mr Grant and Mr Piccoli jumped aboard to give the truck a once over before declaring it was ready to go. 

“This new $179,000 vehicle is a welcome asset to the NSW SES Leeton Unit, which is made up of eight volunteers,” Mr Piccoli said.

“It may be a small unit, but that doesn’t make the work they do any less valuable.

“(This) shows just how committed this government is to providing the NSW SES with the state-of-the-art equipment they need to carry out their lifesaving work.”

The new light storm vehicle will ensure members are responding to calls for help in the community in a truck which is specifically designed for the roles they perform with member’s safety at the core of its design.

Once the official ceremony was complete, Mr Grant and Mr Piccoli joined the volunteers and their families for a quick afternoon tea before heading off to a community cabinet dinner in Leeton later that night.

The Leeton VRA and Leeton Fire and Rescue were also on hand at the event. 

For more information about the Leeton SES and how to become a volunteer contact local controller Jeremy Bradshaw.

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