RFS Brigade Amazing 75 Years

Volunteers with North Rocks RFS Brigade are celebrating 75 years of community service.

NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott MP joined with NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner, Peter McKechnie to congratulate members past and present for building up the brigade into the community focal point it is today.

“This Brigade has a proud history and has put in a lot of effort developing its members over the years and strengthening its relationship with the community,” Mr Elliott said. Current North Rocks Brigade Captain John Meredith received his Lifetime Membership award during the evening.

The RFS Brigade was formed in 1945 as the North Rocks-West Pennant Hills Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade serving what was then orchards and chicken farms.

Members initially used their own vehicles, with a trailer acquired in 1958. The first dedicated vehicle was acquired eight years later. The RFS Brigade has been based in Carlingford since 1979.

The North Rocks Brigade has 85 members, the longest serving is GroupCaptain Hills District, Bruce Walton who has been with the NSW RFS for over 40 years.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “During the Black Summer bush fires, North Rocks Brigade responded to fires as far afield as Glen Innes and Queanbeyan and spent significant time in the Hawkesbury on the Gospers Mountain fire on dedicated strike teams,” he said.

“After that devastating bush fire season the brigade received over 200 enquiries from community members wishing to join and 12 have now completed basic training to be welcomed as new members.”

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the event was an opportunity to congratulate the brigade on this significant milestone and to thank members for their ongoing commitment and service.

“The hard work and professionalism of all NSW RFS members does not go unnoticed and while they do not ask for praise, we should take this milestone to acknowledge their contribution and commitment to their community.”

He said the Hills District is afforded a world-class level of fire protection due to the experience and dedication of its 17 Rural Fire Brigades. There are just over 1000 volunteers across the 17 brigades.

“We must also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support to help our members do what they do to save lives and property,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

Over the past 12 months since the Black Summer bushfires, the District fielded 500 inquiries for membership. 100 new members have been trained up across the District.

Readers can go to the RFS Brigade website for more information on volunteering: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/volunteering-with-the-rfs

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Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “During the Black Summer bush fires, North Rocks Brigade responded to fires as far afield as Glen Innes and Queanbeyan and spent significant time in the Hawkesbury on the Gospers Mountain fire on dedicated strike teams,” he said.RFS Brigade

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “During the Black Summer bush fires, North Rocks Brigade responded to fires as far afield as Glen Innes and Queanbeyan and spent significant time in the on the Gospers Mountain fire on dedicated strike teams,” he said.RFS Brigade

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “During the Black Summer bush fires, North Rocks Brigade responded to fires as far afield as Glen Innes and Queanbeyan and spent significant time i
Hawkesbury
 n the Hawkesbury on the Gospers Mountain fire on dedicated strike teams,” he said.

Glen Innes and Queanbeyan and spent significant time in the Hawkesbury on the Gospers Mountain fire on dedicated strike teams,” he said. RFS Brigade RFS Brigade