Fourteen members of Cessnock's Central Rural Fire Brigade have been recognised for their services over the 2019/2020 bushfire season with a NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced in September that more than 65,000 volunteers and service personnel who were involved with last summer's firefight will receive the special citation for their "heroic dedication" to the people of NSW.
"This citation is thoroughly deserved for the thousands of volunteers and emergency services personnel who put their safety on the line to protect lives and properties. Equally deserving are those recognised who provided critical behind-the-scenes support," Ms Berejiklian said.
The Central brigade not only battled blazes across Cessnock, Wollombi and Laguna during last summer's devastating bushfire season, they were also deployed to the North Coast, South Coast and Central Coast.
They were presented with their citations by NSW RFS Deputy Group 5, Brendan Gazzard, at their South Avenue station on Sunday.
"I am extremely proud of all of our members for working tirelessly through one of the worst seasons ever seen," brigade captain Veronica Bullen said.
"The members are truly a credit to not only themselves but the wider community, who have been always extremely generous with their support through donations of food and water and monetary donations, which has went to great use providing better equipment and facilities for our members."
The Central brigade has welcomed five new members since last summer.
READ MORE: THE 'BLACK SUMMER' IN THE HUNTER VALLEY, 2019/20
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
