Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea (also representing the Minister for Emergency Services, Stuart Ayres) and Member for Wakehurst, Brad Hazzard attended a ceremony on Saturday to officially hand over seven new vehicles to the Warringah Pittwater District of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Mr O’Dea said the new vehicles include state-of-the-art fire trucks to better equip the outstanding volunteers who make up the local Rural Fire Service.
“I am pleased to see one of the trucks has been given to the Davidson Brigade, although recognise it will help service the broader area and be used further afield as required.
“However, the latest firefighting equipment means little without well trained and highly skilled personnel to use it.
“We especially acknowledge the dedication of those who have served the Rural Fire Service over many years,” Mr O’Dea said.
38 Long Service Medals and 10 National Medals were presented to recipients at the ceremony. Together they have a combined total of one thousand years of service.
Speaking to them, Mr O’Dea said, “I know that you are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and that means receiving calls at night, working in difficult situations and helping people during times of great distress.
“Your skills are diverse and your dedication admirable,” he emphasised.
The Rural Fire Service is the world’s largest fire service with almost 74,000 members across New South Wales.
