Boost for Ocean View and Rocksberg rural firefighters

Rural firefighters from Ocean View and Rocksberg Moorina have received a boost to their operational capability with two new vehicles and a fire station extension officially launched today.

In a ceremony at the Ocean View Rural Fire Brigade station, Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell presented the Ocean View and Rocksberg Moorina brigades with new vehicles, opened the renovated and expanded Ocean View rural fire station, and presented medals to long-serving firefighters.

Mr Purcell said the brigades provided an invaluable service to their local community, and it was fitting they received modern new facilities and equipment.

Member for Kurwongbah Linda Lavarch said the new equipment and facilities would be a great boost for the two local brigades.

“Rural firefighters are at the front-line of fighting fires in country areas. The dedicated volunteers of the Rural Fire Service give their time to protect lives and property in what are demanding and often dangerous conditions,” Mrs Lavarch said.

The Ocean View brigade received a new dual cab firefighting vehicle, valued at $112,000, while the Rocksberg Moorina brigade received a new medium attack vehicle worth $87,700.

The Ocean View rural fire brigade building has been extended at a cost of $33,000, giving the brigade greater room in which to conduct operations and space to store the new vehicle.

“The Ocean View and Rocksberg Moorina brigades should be congratulated for their ongoing commitment to caring for the safety and wellbeing of residents and properties in the local area. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the brigades for raising the funds for the new equipment and facilities, and the support provided by local community members to the brigades,” Mrs Lavarch said.

Also at the ceremony, Mr Purcell presented Ocean View brigade 2^nd Officer Neville Juffs with the National Medal, and two Clasps to the National Medal, in recognition of his 46 years of service with the brigade. Mr Purcell also presented brigade member Mark Sellin with a National medal for his 17 years of service.

The National Medal recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. Recipients are entitled to the National Medal after 15 years of service and a Clasp is awarded to a National Medal after each additional 10 years of service.

Mr Purcell applauded the medal recipients for their long and dedicated service.

“These individuals have put in years of service to preventing and fighting fires, and I thank them sincerely for their efforts."

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.