Two Mid Lachlan Valley volunteers have been celebrated at NSW Rural Fire Service Awards.
Red Bend Catholic College student Marshall Munn has been named the NSW Rural Fire Service Young Volunteer of the Year (12-15 years) at the organisation's 2024 Youth Awards.
The awards highlight the essential role that young people play within the Service, acknowledging their dedication, leadership, and commitment to community, and are hosted at the RFS Headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park,
Marshall, who was earlier this year named Parkes' Young Citizen of the Year, serves with Parkes Headquarters Brigade for the Mid Lachlan Valley.
He's a dedicated member of the brigade, displaying a commitment to volunteering, actively training and attending incidents and local events to engage with the community.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib extended his congratulations to Marshall and to the other two major youth award recipients on the day.
“Congratulations to these exceptional young people who have been recognised for their outstanding accomplishments,” Mr Dib said.
“These awards recognise the achievements of young people at growing stages of involvement with emergency volunteering.
“With young members like these recognised today, we can see the future of the RFS and emergency services in this state is in safe hands."
Woojin Shin was the first student to enrol in this year’s Cadet Program at Turramurra High School, demonstrating strong leadership skills as crew leader in both practical and theoretical tasks throughout the program.
Keeley Taylor has shown remarkable commitment through her high attendance at incidents and diverse operational experience. Keeley also mentors new firefighters and assists with the Secondary School Cadet Program.
“Woojin, Marshall and Keeley are great examples of passionate young people who have devoted their time to helping protect their communities and gain invaluable skills," Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers said.
It's 20 years since RFS volunteer Terry Job pioneered the Secondary School Cadet Program at Parkes High School and NSW RFS acknowledged his decades of services.
A member of the service for 42 years now, Terry has used his vast knowledge and experience to shape future generations of firefighters.
“Terry’s unwavering commitment and mentorship have made an invaluable impact on both the service and the community. His dedication to training and inspiring young people has left a lasting legacy that will benefit the RFS and volunteerism for years to come," Mr Rodgers said.
“I also thank the school communities who offer the opportunity for students to participate in the Secondary School Cadet Program.”