![NSW RFS Far South Coast group captain Brian Ayliffe has been recognised with a St FLorian's Day award for his more than 60 years service. NSW RFS Far South Coast group captain Brian Ayliffe has been recognised with a St FLorian's Day award for his more than 60 years service.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/38KKizhZLpuTDCkJAjRb34b/44c6c18b-c280-48f2-8830-c68267d626c6.JPG/r0_161_4272_2572_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Cobargo firefighter Brian Ayliffe is one of 15 NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers to be honoured for exceptional service and bravery during St Florian’s Day celebrations.
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Held on May 4 each year, the award ceremony coincides with the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters’ Day.
Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joined NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons at NSW RFS headquarters on Friday to honour 15 members and 11 teams as part of the annual awards ceremony.
“Today we thank the many men and women of the NSW RFS who are on call day after day, serving our communities and selflessly responding to all manner of emergencies,” Mr Grant said.
“Our NSW RFS men and women do their jobs quietly never asking for praise, awards or accolades, but it’s important their commitment and dedication is recognised.
“Families across the state should be rightly proud of the efforts of the NSW RFS and I thank each and every member of the emergency service for their hard work,” Mr Grant said.
Mr Ayliffe is a recipient of the Australia Fire Service Medal and was last year congratulated on 60 years of service to the NSW RFS.
He currently serves as the group captain of the Far South Coast brigades.
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Member for Bega Andrew Constance also paid tribute to the “amazing dedication of all serving firefighters across our region”.
“As a community, we are enormously proud of the selflessness and dedication shown by our local fire fighters, who respond day in and day out to emergencies,” Mr Constance said.
“Their bravery sets the finest example for us all, and serves as a reminder that our emergency services personnel often go above and beyond the call of duty in protecting their communities.
“March 18, 2018 highlighted just how fortunate we are to have these outstanding service personnel that give so much to protect our lives, our homes, our businesses and our community assets.
“As a community, we witnessed first hand the dedication and selfless efforts of our firefighters; as our local community was fleeing fire, our firefighters were walking into the flames and I thank you all for protecting us each and every day.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said he had nothing but pride and admiration for RFS members across the state.
“Not just of those being recognised here today, but of all our members who continue to give up so much of their time to ensure their communities are better protected,” he said.
![NSW Rural Fire Service St Florian's Day service and bravery awards 2018 NSW Rural Fire Service St Florian's Day service and bravery awards 2018](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/38KKizhZLpuTDCkJAjRb34b/208683e7-67dd-483f-86fe-8108058a9b01.jpg/r0_234_3511_2216_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Commissioner’s Commendation for Service (individual)
- Captain Stephen Garbutt, Wyrallah Brigade, Northern Rivers Zone, Region North
- Firefighter John Tucker, Tamworth Support Brigade, Tamworth District, Region North
- Group Captain Brian Ayliffe AFSM, Cobargo Brigade, Far South Coast, Region South
- Deputy Captain Bruce Davies, Jerrabomberra Creek, Lake George Zone, Region South
- Captain Neil Percival (Chaplain), Broughton Vale/Berry Brigade, Shoalhaven, Region South
- Firefighter Samuel Hatch, Tamworth Support Brigade, Tamworth District, Region North
- Firefighter Shirley Snowden, Tinonee Brigade, Mid Coast Team, Region East
- Senior Deputy Captain Samuel Tout, Murringo Brigade, South West Slopes Zone, Region West
Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (individual)
- Inspector William Britt, Bland Temora Zone, Region West
- Lindsey Flynn, NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters
- Aaron Howard, NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters
- Scott Hoy, NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters
- Firefighter Rowena McGregor, Hydes Creek Brigade, Mid North Coast Team, Region North
- Firefighter John Sandland, Tabourie Brigade, Shoalhaven, Region South
Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service
- Northern Rivers Aviation Support Brigade, Northern Rivers Zone, Region North
Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (unit)
- Castlereagh Zone Rural Fire Brigades and Cassilis Brigade, Castlereagh Zone & Liverpool Range Zone, Region North
- Cudgegong Airbase Crew Aviation Support, Cudgegong District, Region West
- Down the Wire Technicians
- Lake George Zone Rural Fire Brigades and Group Officers Bombay, Boro, Braidwood, Bungendore, Captains Flat, Hoskingtown, Jerrabomberra Creek, Lake George Operations Support Group, Majors Creek, Mongarlowe, Queanbeyan City, Ridgeway, Stoney Creek, Wamboin, Group North and Group West Lake George Zone, Region South
- Mudgee 1A Cudgegong District, Region West
- Northern Rivers Zone Group Officers and Brigades Northern Rivers Zone, Region North
- Pacific Palms Rural Fire Brigade Mid Coast Zone, Region East
- Picton Rural Fire Brigade Southern Highlands Team, Region East
- Procurement Accreditation Team NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters
- RFSA Workers Compensation Working Group Rural Fire Service Association and NSW Rural Fire Service
- Stoney Creek Brigade Lake George Zone, Region South