National Medal

Last night I was thrilled and honoured to have been awarded the National Medal for 18 years' service to the NSW community through my involvement with the Rural Fire Service.

The National Medal?recognises "diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some personal risk to their members."? For myself and the other nine brigade members award medals last night this is demonstrated by turning out to firecalls, motor vehicle accidents, storm events and assisting other agencies such as police and ambulance.

My 18 years with the Rural Fire Service have been nothing short of transformative. I've learned new skills and been offered opportunities I never would have had otherwise.?Within the brigade, the camaraderie, sense of purpose, and self-sacrifice to make a real difference in people's lives constantly humbles me.

I am immensely proud to be a part of the Rural Fire Service, and I look forward to continuing this journey and serving the community.?To my fellow firefighters and volunteers, thank you for your dedication, and friendship. To my long-suffering and ever-patient family, thank you for your support and tolerance.

References:

Further Information About the National Medal

https://lnkd.in/gg3zSx2A

Citation:

David has been a member of the Belrose Rural Fire Brigade since October 2005 and is one of the most experience members of the brigade.?David has shown a willingness to undertake responsibility and roles in the running of the brigade both in operational and administrative capacities.?David have been a long-standing Deputy Captain but has also undertaken administrative roles that include President, Secretary, Treasurer, RFSA Representative, First Aid Officer and Community Liaison Officer.

Since joining the RFS David has taken part in many deployments in and out of district the most significant being the 2019-2020 fires where as crew leader he deployed to the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Nowra and Adaminaby.

David regularly takes part in operations as required including responding to pagers, running crew weekends, training new members, hazard reductions, land searches, storm damage clean-up and assisting other agencies.

David’s many awards as below reflect his unstinting devotion to service as a whole.?He has the National Emergency Medal for the 19-20 Bushfires, the Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation, Shoalhaven City Council Currawong Bushfire Medal 2021, Commissioner’s Unit Citation Medal for Service 2015 for the Mona Vale Road Truck Fire.?NSW Service Medallion for recovery work during the Central Coast storms.

With over 18 years of service to the Belrose Brigade and the RFS David Vane is a worthy recipient of the National Medal.