RFSA President thanks volunteer fire fighters during National Volunteer Week.
National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers and thank them for their generous contribution to our community.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the world’s largest volunteer fire service with over 74,000 volunteer personnel. NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) President Ken Middleton said this week’s celebration is a chance to recognise and thank these volunteers, whom he describes as the “heart and soul” of the Service.
“These volunteer fire fighters selflessly sacrifice time with their families and loved ones to attend weekly training sessions and are ‘on call’ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
“They attend a range of emergencies, not just bush fires, including house and structure fires, road accidents and provide assistance during other events like storms and searches.
“Many will often return home from a night spent assisting at an accident or fire to simply dress and be ready for their regular employment within a matter of hours.
“Never once complaining or expecting any sort of recognition or compensation.
“These people are part of your community and they enjoy nothing better than donning their yellows and responding to emergencies or ensuring that you are safer through their community engagement programs.
“On behalf of the RFSA and community of New South Wales, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all NSW RFS volunteers for your courage, commitment and dedication.
“The RFSA will continue to support you in your work to protect the community.”
This year, National Volunteer Week falls along the week 8-14 May 2017 with the theme ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’.