SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Thank you to CFS volunteers

12/05/2014

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers will be celebrated for their efforts during National Volunteers Week.

The CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton said National Volunteer Week is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge and thank the thousands of volunteers who substantially contribute to their communities every day.

"Our volunteers are absolutely dedicated to protecting their communities and they invest a tremendous amount of time ensuring they remain safe", Mr Nettleton said.

"CFS volunteers aren't just firefighters. They are highly trained in a range of areas including radio operations, planning and mapping support which are roles that are crucial to the functions and delivery of service to the community".

The Chief Officer says CFS volunteers devote many thousands of hours each year to safeguarding the community, consistently displaying courage and commitment to fighting fires and responding to other incidents.

"We have more than 13,500 volunteers trained to respond to bushfires, house fires, vehicle accidents, dangerous chemical spills and other emergencies," Mr Nettleton said.

"Some people don't realise that CFS members are not paid for their services – our volunteers willingly commit thousands of hours to public safety in what are often demanding and dangerous conditions.

"Without them, we would not have fire and emergency service in rural and regional South Australia and I thank all our volunteers for their ongoing personal sacrifice for the service."

Acknowledgement also goes to family members and employers of volunteers for their invaluable support.

"Our volunteers have families, full time or part time work and other commitments, and they work extremely hard and place the needs of others before their own," Mr Nettleton said.

"CFS members are at the frontline of emergency responses day and night, 24/7 and they do a phenomenal job.

"I extend my gratitude to these men and women for their outstanding efforts and I thank them for a job well done".

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Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia