NSW honours emergency services volunteers

Last published on 13 Oct 2019 

A memorial service will be held today to honour and remember emergency services personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the memorial commemorates volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting communities.

“The Volunteer Memorial at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a sobering reminder of the dangers emergencies and natural disasters present – not just to the community, but also to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe,” Mr Elliott said.

“There are 94 names enshrined on the memorial, recognising volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

“This year, the names of two volunteers who have recently lost their lives will be added to the memorial and it is important that we recognise their service and sacrifice.”

NSW SES volunteer Billy Martin lost his life while clearing storm damage in November 2018, and NSW RFS volunteer Peter Mills passed away while attending a communications brigade meeting in September 2018.

Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Melanie Gibbons said there were nearly 90,000 emergency services volunteers who help keep the community safe.

“We have seen many of them in action in recent weeks dealing with disasters such as the bushfires in the State’s north,” Ms Gibbons said.

“Every single one of them deserves the gratitude of the community for their efforts in chipping in when we need them most. This memorial ensures the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice lives on.”’

The names of Leonard Bell (Warringah 1968) and Reg Gartrell (Wollondilly 1976) have also been added to the memorial this year as historical records have been updated.

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