Twelve emergency service volunteers who lost their lives while serving communities across New South Wales have been honoured at an annual memorial service in Sydney.
The NSW Emergency Service Volunteers Memorial Service was held at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, bringing together emergency service representatives, volunteers and families to remember those who died in service.
This year, the names of ten NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers and two Marine Rescue NSW members were added to the memorial.
Among those remembered were Marine Rescue NSW volunteers William “Bill” Ewen and Frank Petsch, both from Ballina, who died while responding to an emergency on the NSW North Coast earlier this year.
The memorial recognises volunteers from organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the service was an opportunity to remember the contribution of volunteers who had dedicated themselves to protecting others.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin also paid tribute to the volunteers and their families, acknowledging the commitment involved in serving local communities.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said Ewen and Petsch would be remembered for their years of service, friendship and dedication to helping others.
The annual service continues to provide a place for families, colleagues and communities to recognise the contribution of emergency service volunteers who have died in the line of duty.