Liverpool Plains shire mayor Andrew Hope congratulated the “unsung heroes” at the St Florian’s Day Awards – named in honour of the patron saint of fire fighters.

He made a special mention of their efforts to tackle the 2015 fire at the Willow Tree antique store.

“Despite extremely hazardous conditions, the Willow Tree crews performed an outstanding job to preserve life and limit property damage prior to the other units arriving to assist in bringing this massive blaze under control,” Cr Hope said.

“There’s no doubt the other crews were welcome arrivals and provided much needed support, and all up the incident was a great example of firefighting and inter-agency teamwork.

“The individuals and units awarded the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service and Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation richly deserve this recognition and we add our congratulations and thanks for their efforts.”

Cr Hope said it was important to remember the RFS was made up of volunteers who “risk their lives to keep us and our property safe”.

“We need to remember all the time that they are unsung heroes, not just when they tackle a blaze like the one in Willow Tree but also when they fight bush- and grassfires, house and structure fires and assist in cases of storm damage, search and rescue, motor vehicle accidents and bush fire mitigation,” he said.

“Becoming a volunteer with the NSW RFS is easy and I encourage people to consider a role in helping safeguard our families and property. To make an application, contact your local rural fire brigade. 

“LPSC is proud to be partnering with the NSW RFS in establishing the new Liverpool Plains Emergency Services Precinct, which will be of huge benefit to the staff and volunteers as well as the wider Liverpool Plains community.”