RFS volunteers recognised for 498 years of service

The Big Hill Brigade recipients were named and thanked in a presentation at their shed on Sunday, November 24.

Presented with medals and clasps, the members were commended for their dedication, commitment and service to the community.

The 10 recipients were recognised for many years' service:

NSW RFS assistant commissioner Kelly Browne was joined by more than 50 RFS volunteers and their families at the ceremony.

Other guests included Group Officer Graeme Walsh, Inspector George Shepherd, representing the Southern Tablelands Zone, and Upper Lachlan Shire mayor John Stafford, deputy mayor John Searl and councillor Ron Cummins.

Big Hill Brigade Captain Marshall Bass thanked the longtime members. "We're a big family," Captain Bass said.

"There's that much diversity as you'd expect in any family, but I call us our fire family.

"We come from all walks of life, with different skills behind us.

"We come together for a common cause and we support each other."

There are 54 members and 24 are actively fighting fires, said Captain Bass.

The balance is support people, including husbands and wives of RFS volunteers.

Founding members of the brigade and brothers Bob and Charles Loseby were among those presented.

In the 1940s, the Losebys were pivotal in establishing the brigade with farming families in and around Big Hill, Long Reach and Greenwich Park.

The brothers fought side-by-side in major fires, including the Chatsbury-Bungonia fire in 1965 that burned over March 5-14, the Sydney and regional bush fires in 1979, the Eastern seaboard fires in 1994, and Black Christmas in 2001.

"They're in their twilight years now," Captain Bass said of the Loseby brothers. Both members remain active from their new home in retirement in Goulburn. Their health prevents physical participation, but both have attended recent meetings and Christmas celebrations, said Captain Bass.

"What we do, we love to do, and we want to continue doing it," Captain Bass said. "Thank you for the support of the community and the RFS. Without either, we wouldn't exist."

The brigade also recognised 10- and 20-year milestones. The recipients included:

Mr Cordingley joined in 1956. He has held positions including president, Deputy Captain and Senior Deputy Captain, and has been a member of the brigade's executive. In 1995, he was awarded a long service medal and appointed a life member.

Ms Cordingley started in 1970 and is a life member of the Brigade. She has been an active firefighter and member of the women's auxiliary, providing support to active field crews.

Mr O'Brien joined the Wirrinya Bush Fire Brigade in 1973 in the mid-Lachlan Valley district and more recently the Big Hill Brigade.

Mr Smith has been active on the fire ground with the Bogan Brigade since his youth. He joined the Canyonleigh Brigade in 1979 and then the Big Hill Brigade. He has received a long service medal and life membership, as well as the ACT Emergency Medal for his role in fighting the 2003 Canberra bush fires.

Mr McWhirter started in 1980 and has been an active firefighter in the major bush fires of 1979, 1994 and 2001. He is the current president and Senior Deputy of the Big Hill Brigade, as well as being a life member.

Mr Baylis joined in 1980 after the devastating 1979 bush fires. He is a life member of the brigade and recipient of the ACT Emergency Medal for his role in fighting the Canberra bushfires in 2003.

Ms Baylis joined her husband Ted in 1980 and is also a member of the women's auxiliary.

Mr Moon joined the Laguna Bush Fire Brigade in 1985 and has been a member of the Wollombi and Cessnock Brigades, before moving to Big Hill in 2017. He is the Deputy Captain, first aid and safety officer.

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