Members of the Kangaroo Valley Voluntary Rural Fire Service (RFS) have been awarded the National Emergency Medal for their efforts during the 2019-20 fire season. The National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia. Members of the Kangaroo Valley brigade played an integral part in the firefighting response during that season, with the majority of the local area being part of the Currowan Fire that burnt approximately 500,000 hectares in the Shoalhaven and surrounding areas.
Types of medals awarded
National Medals are presented to members of the Service in recognition of 15 years diligent service, with the addition of a clasp for every 10 years of additional service. The medal recognises those members who go above and beyond what is expected of active members within their Brigade.
National Emergency Medals/Clasps are presented for the unique contribution and commitment of those who have provided sustained or significant service in response to declared nationally significant emergencies, and hereto have been awarded for the service of members during the 2019-2020 bushfires.
RFS Long Service Medals are presented to members of the Service in recognition of their 10 years of active service, with the addition of a clasp for every 10 years of additional service.
Medal Citations
David Smart (Dusty)
Years of Service: 38
Awarded: National Medal 2nd Clasps & National Emergency Medal.
David has been an active member of the Kangaroo Valley Brigade since joining in 1982. He has participated in all major fire events in the local area and also out of area and is a highly trained fire fighter. He has held the various key roles and duties within the brigade and is currently the Brigade Captain. He is also a member of the Shoalhaven Specialised Operations Rural Fire Brigade and is a Life Member of the Kangaroo Valley Rural Fire Brigade. David is a very dedicated and skilled member. He is also receiving the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019/2020 Fires.
Harold Sharman
Years of Service: 43
Awarded: National Medal 2nd Clasps & National Emergency Medal.
Harold joined the Kangaroo Valley Brigade in 1978 and has been a long-standing member for over 43 years. He has attended countless fires, both local and out of area, always giving his best when called upon. He is a very skilled truck driver mentoring others to learn to drive, with many of the young members commenting on the value of an older, calm and level-headed instructor. He has always been available to run the regular BBQs at social events and fundraisers. His commitment and dedication is very commendable. Harold is also receiving the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019/2020 Fires.
Barry Ferrington
Years of Service: 41
Awarded: National Medal 2nd Clasps & Long Service 3rd Clasp.
Barry first joined the Kangaroo Valley Brigade in 1979. Until recently, he has been a very active contributor to the brigade, having been involved in all aspects of fire fighting, both local and out of area, many of which have been major fire events. Barry was the leading truck driver, providing training and skills to new members. He has held the position of Equipment Officer for over 20 years, and has been a dedicated member, willing to lend a hand when called upon. His has always been totally committed and has always displayed exemplary service.
Neil Breeze
Years of Service: 27 years
Awarded: National Medal 1st Clasp & National Emergency Medal.
Neil joined the Kangaroo Valley Brigade in 1994 and been a very active member ever since. He has held various key positions in the brigade, including Captain. He is currently a Deputy Captain and Community Engagement Officer. He regularly volunteers for strike teams and been involved in out-of-area deployments. Neil is heavily involved in training and has been the Training Officer since 2006. He is also very involved with the training of Cadets in the Shoalhaven. He is a highly respected member with total dedication and commitment. Neil is also receiving the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019/2020 Fires.
John Smart
Years of Service: 26 years
Awarded: National Medal & 1st Clasp & National Emergency Medal.
John joined the Kangaroo Valley Brigade in 1995 and has been an active member ever since. He has been on countless deployments, both out of area and Interstate. John is an excellent truck driver and often mentors others and new members. He is very involved in community engagement, attending meetings, events and informing the community about fire awareness. John has always been a very keen advocate for fundraising for his brigade and always tries to be available to help when he can. He is a very well respected member of his brigade. John is also receiving the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019/2020 Fires.
Mark Bourke
Years of Service: 18 years
Awarded: National Medal & National Emergency Medal.
Mark joined the Kangaroo Valley Brigade in 2002 and filled the positions within the brigade and is currently a Deputy Captain. He is very much involved in driver training members to gain truck licences. He has completed his training to be part of the Shoalhaven Trail Bike Unit which was utilised heavily during the 2019/2020 fires. Mark is very active with all facets of brigade activities and always tries to be available when called upon. Mark is also receiving the National Emergency Medal for his involvement in the 2019/2020 Fires.
National Emergency Medals
Presented at the Awards Ceremony
Mr David Alexander
Mrs Lorraine Mairinger
Mr Michael Quirk
Mr James Salkeld
Mr Gary Thomas
To be presented at the KV Brigade AGM in June
Mr Logan Apperley
Mr Stephen Bell
Mr Jaxon Boyle
Mr Lance Brown
Mr Brent Clarke
Mr Alex Crowe
Mr Sergio Gomez
Mr Gordon Farnham
Mr Michael Gorman
Mr Steven Greenhill
Mr Angus Gripper
Mr William Haskin
Mr Simon Hunt
Mr Steven Jenner
Mr Peter Morgan
Mr Robert Morris
Mr Andrew Morrison
Mr Gregory Muffet
Mrs Chloe Riley
Mr David Selby
Mr Peter Wilson
Mr Vincent Winch
Content supplied by RFS Shoalhaven. Edited by Dusty and Tracey Basman
