LONG hours of volunteering, training and keeping the shire safe are just three of the job requirements when it comes to being part of the Rural Fire Service.
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As has been seen throughout Queensland and NSW this week, the work of these volunteers is crucial in protecting communities during times of emergency.
A group of those volunteers from brigades across Leeton shire were recognised recently for their years of dedicated service.
A special ceremony was held at the RFS MIA Zone headquarters where nine residents were honoured.
Several others were also on the list, but as they were unable didn't attend, the RFS will acknowledge them at a later date.
Those who did receive medals as part of their long service to their respective brigades were:
- Giuseppe Iannelli, 11 years with the Fivebough brigade.
- Andrew Pedder, 11 years with the Fisherman's Paradise Conjola and Yanco-Wamoon brigades.
- Lorraine Kefford, 12 years with the Whitton brigade.
- Ian Thompson, 21 years with Yanco-Wamoon.
- Peter Wynan, 22 years with Fivebough brigade.
- David Pike, 22 years with Gogeldrie brigade.
- Mark Alexander, 31 years with Yanco-Wamoon.
- Gary Marston, 33 years with Yanco-Wamoon
- Graeme Dunn, 41 years with Yanco-Wamoon
For Mr Alexander and Mr Marston, their recognition also included their long service medal second clasp, while Mr Dunn received his long service medal third clasp.
Mr Alexander joined the Yanco-Wamoon brigade when he was just 17-years-old.
During his 31 years he has attended many fires in and around the Yanco area, as well as elsewhere within the MIA district.
He is known as making himself available for all incidents and is always the first one to the station for callouts.
Mr Alexander has also taken it upon himself to keep the station and its grounds clean and tidy.
Mr Marston has a strong knowledge of the area's fire history, particularly in Wamoon. He has attended numerous incidents over more than three decades and assists with brigade training and accompanies a fellow member each Thursday for driver training.
This ensures the brigade has enough members to drive a truck whenever needed. Mr Martson still attends and assists with training on a regular basis.
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It was in 1978 that Mr Dunn joined the Yanco-Wamoon brigade and was also a member of the Calleen brigade at the time.
He is an active member, attending training on a regular basis, as well as meetings and callouts.
Mr Dunn has been to countless incidents in the area, as well as interstate. Mr Dunn continues to attend most incidents to this day.
The RFS MIA Zone has congratulated the members for their continued efforts and thanked them for their service.
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