Kingscliff’s Tom Maye was honoured for more than 60 years of service to the Rural Fire Service in a ceremony held in Murwillumbah on Saturday.
The long-serving Bush Fire Brigade stalwart was one of a number of members honoured at the service at the Murwillumbah RFS headquarters.
Tom was honoured for his 62 years’ service after becoming a member of the then NSW Bush Fire Brigade in 1950. He was promoted to Duranbah Brigade Captain in 1957 and, when the brigades amalgamated, Tom became the Cudgen Brigade Captain in 1978 and was promoted to the role of Tweed District Group Captain in 1979 – a position he held until 1987 when he was appointed Tweed Distict Deputy Controller. In his role as Deputy Fire Control Officer he was responsible for brigade training, vehicle and station design, construction and maintenance.
In the changeover from Local to State Government in 2001, Tom decided it was time to retire and head for the golf course – but old habits die hard and he remains an active member of the Cudgen Brigade, sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience with his Brigade and the wider Tweed District.
Saturday’s event was attended by NSW Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Lismore Thomas George, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Nationals candidate Matthew Fraser.
Justine said she was honoured to be in the official party at the NSW Rural Fire Service Tweed District Long Service Medal Ceremony.
“As a community we’re all so thankful for those volunteers in the Rural Fire Service who give their time to help others,” Justine said.
“The Rural Fire Service plays a vital role in the protection of our community; and its members not only respond to fires, but also attend events such as road accidents,” Matthew Fraser said.
“I would like to thank the members for the fantastic work they do for the community and the enormous sacrifices they make to ensure people receive the assistance at times when they need it most.
“The training and skills of the RFS members are second to none and I would like to offer the highest praise to the service’s senior staff for the way in which they provide leadership to the 70-year-old service.”
