VOLUNTEER firefighters dedicate a lot of their time to ensure their areas are safe from the threat of fire and on Thursday, 71 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers from the Canobolas Zone were recognised for their commitment.
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Between them they have amassed a remarkable 2336 years of service.
Seven members of Canobolas Zone received national medals and clasps for their years (15, 25, 35, etc) of diligent service and going above what is expected of active members.
Long service medals and clasps were also presented to members of the service in recognition of their years (10, 20, 30 etc) of active service.
Among them was Owen Schwilk who has contributed 54 years since joining the RFS in the 1960s and received his long service medal as well as the first, second, third, and fourth clasp.
“I’ve seen all the changes, I remember when it was a horse and buggy,” he said.
“I liked that better. Farmers trained their sons as apprentices which I enjoyed, but I do appreciate the technology.”
Early in his service, Mr Schwilk recalls having something that made him a favourite amongst his fellow volunteers.
“I was popular with the brigade because I had a chainsaw.
“To cut the trees you had to use an axe, so my supervisor would carry my saw and stand at the tree while I cut it down,” he said.
Manager of Canobolas Zone David Hoadley AFSM highlighted that it’s these volunteers who give up their time to protect communities.
“It’s a significant day to acknowledge volunteers and the work they do,” he said.
Member for Orange Andrew Gee addressed award recipients and their friends and family on behalf of Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher.
Mr Gee said the number of people receiving awards shows how strong the RFS is in this part of the world.
“It’s very impressive.
“These volunteers don’t do it for the praise, awards or accolades but I’d like to let you know how appreciated you are,” he said.
For Mr Schwilk, making the decision to volunteer was simple.
“I can’t think of a better cause,” he said.
Honour roll: Stuart Clarke 17 years Craig Petersen 18 years Christopher Googe 19 years Tom Nolles AFSM 31 years Robert Shiel 36 years John Pankhurst 37 years Robert Auberson 43 years Andrew Owens 11 years Darrell Wicks 11 years Shane Harvey 11 years Richard McKinney 11 years Kayley Bloomfield 11 years Barbara Bloomfield 12 years Nicole Mackenzie 12 years Mark Bennett 14 years Leanne Warren 14 years Amarlie Dent 14 years Aaron Dent 14 years Tim Warren 14 years Grant Healey 14 years Tony Bloomfield 18 years Paul Williamson 18 years Ron Harvey 18 years Ian McCrohon 18 years Warwick Sharples 19 years Greg Clancy 21 years Gary Lawson 25 years Peter Spicer 27 years Phil Pedley 27 years Richard McIntosh 28 years Kerry Beasley 28 years Denise Pitts 29 years Michael Wright 29 years Graeme Christopherson 29 years Jonathon Rolfe 29 years Ken McMurtrie 32 years David Herbert 32 years Larry Pitts 34 years Geoffrey Philpott 34 years Peter Selwood 36 years Kevin Selwood 36 years Tony Selwood 36 years Maurice Gould 36 years Michael Bloomfield 36 years Stephen Beasley 39 years Geoff Selwood 39 years Ken Bennett (posthumous) 39 years Warren Chislett 39 years Michael Payten 39 years David Hamilton 40 years Wayne Miller 42 years Bill Kingham 44 years Bernard Williamson 44 years Robert Philpott 45 years Robbie Lawrence 45 years David Kennedy 47 years Max Giles 48 years Richard Cantrill 48 years Leslie Wright 48 years Pat Christopherson 49 years Gavin Alston 49 years Graham Yelland 50 years Joe Telford 53 years Owen Schwilk 54 years Graham Wren 54 years Robert Cassell 55 years Michael Spicer 55 years Doug White 56 years Barry Gibson 57 years Kevin Breen 57 years Keith Spicer 62 years
