Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall with RFS Inverell and Yetman brigade members in front of their new category 1 fire tankers during the recent handover ceremony at Elsmore.
Monday, 20 March 2017
Inverell’s Mal Really recognised for 47 years of firefighting
THE Inverell and Yetman NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brigades have received a major boost at the close of this year’s fire season, taking delivery of brand new Category 1 (CAT 1) fire tankers recently.
The new state-of-the-art trucks, worth more than $315,000 each, were headed over to the brigades by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon during a ceremony at the Elsmore RFS station.
Mr Marshall said the new trucks would be priceless resources for the brigades, providing the latest and best equipment to keep volunteer members safe on the fire ground and help them do their job as best they can.
“The government and community owes RFS brigades our full support and the best equipment we can provide,” he said.
For the Yetman brigade, formed in the 1950s, Mr Marshall said this was only the second new truck the brigade has ever had.
“The brigade has always been given second-hand vehicles in the past so captain Kelvin Leeson and his team is very excited as this new truck will enable them to respond to fires and a large number of motor vehicles accidents on the Bruxner Way much more quickly,” Mr Marshall said.
The Inverell brigade’s new dual cab CAT 1 tanker replaces an older model which will be handed over to another brigade. The new tanker will allow more brigade members to travel in the truck in response to emergencies and includes increased safety features.
“In the last couple of years we have seen enormous investment from the state government to modernise the RFS firefighting fleet with new vehicles delivered right across our region and some new fire stations too,” Mr Marshall said.
Five Yetman RFS members – Charmaine Potter, Shane Tully, Boxer Brown, Fred Moore and Terry Barnes – were also acknowledged for their service to the brigade, receiving NSW Rural Fire Service Long Service Medals.
Mr Barnes received his long service medal with a third clasp for an outstanding 42 years membership and service to the brigade.
Six Inverell brigade members – Mark Bagnall (15 years), Jason Flett (22), Noel Simula (24), Leonie Coleman (31), Anthony Coombe (31) and Mal Really (47) were also recognised for their service to the RFS.
“Mal Really joined the RFS in 1968, when he was just 16, holding just about every position possible in the Gilgai brigade,” Mr Marshall said. “After being appointed Group Captain, Mal moved to Inverell and transferred to the brigade in 2003.
“In all that time Mal has been a very committed firefighter and his vast wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to his fellow brigade members.
“I congratulate these 11 volunteers on receiving their medals and thank them for their service to our community and to the RFS.”