A Taronga Western Plains Zoo children’s python and shingleback lizard were at Dubbo’s new fire control centre yesterday to receive the keys to a category one fire truck from the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
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The second-hand truck was donated to the zoo as five new fire trucks were handed over to RFS brigades in the Orana district.
“With five new appliances here, it’s another indication of the record level of investment that’s occurring within the Rural Fire Service,” NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
“You’ve only got to go back a couple of decades and we were relying on ex-army trucks ...”
Dubbo headquarters, Stuart Town, Neurea, Boggy Plains and Wellington received the new trucks and tankers yesterday.
“Of course local governments and state governments wouldn’t invest in this sort of infrastructure if it wasn’t for the men and women sampled over here who give up many decades of their lives to serve the community.”
On his visit, Mr Fitzsimmons was also asked to present a long service medal to Gordon Heckendorf, who has served the RFS for 55 years.
He congratulated the volunteer for his “selfless service to the community”.
Across NSW, there are now more than 7000 fleet items, Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“Three and a half thousand of which are frontline tankers like these ones.
“We’re delivering 200 appliances per annum.”
Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith also acknowledged the volunteers’ service and thanked the commissioner for attending.
“I’d like to recognise the members of the bush fire co-ordinating committee of NSW who are visiting Dubbo,” he said.
They were at the centre yesterday and attended the handing over of the keys.
Representatives from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, including the snake and lizard, were also at the presentation and a number of Rural Fire Service volunteers from across the district.
