The Snowy Mountains is safeguarded by some of the most dedicated firefighters in the region. Yesterday, on St Florian’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the valour and dedication of Rural Fire Service (RFS) members, two exceptional individuals from the Snowy Monaro District were recognised. Operational Officer Level 1 Adrian Butters of Adaminaby and Group Captain Anthony Reed of Delegate both received the esteemed Commissioner’s Commendation for Service at the RFS Training Academy in Dubbo, on Sunday May 4.
PHOTO: Adrian Butters of Adaminaby RFS and Group Captain of Delegate RFS Anthony Reed at the award ceremony CREDIT: Snowy Monaro District RFS
The awards were presented by NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM, in a ceremony that brought together volunteers and staff to honour acts of bravery and commitment. “St Florian’s Day is a special day on the calendar for RFS. It’s a day where we recognise and acknowledge the achievements of our firefighters and those that support them,” said Commissioner Rogers, emphasising the importance of the day for the firefighting community. “There are some remarkable stories of achievement, dedication and sacrifice from those receiving awards today.”
PHOTO: NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM addresses the esteemed audience CREDIT: NSW RFS
Operational Officer Adrian Butters, with over 41 years of service, has been a stalwart of the Adaminaby Rural Fire Brigade. His career, marked by steadfast leadership and courage, was notably demonstrated during a harrowing house fire in 2015 and two serious motor vehicle accidents in recent years that deeply impacted the local community. Speaking on behalf of the NSW RFS, a spokesperson highlighted Butters’ composure during incredibly challenging situations, stating, “Officer Butters has demonstrated great leadership, commitment and unwavering dedication to the Adaminaby community and the RFS.”
Group Captain Anthony Reed was also commended for his extraordinary actions during multiple emergencies in a single day in 2024. His dedication to saving a five-month-old infant’s life through immediate first aid and CPR until further help arrived was remarkable. The spokesperson for the NSW RFS noted, “Group Captain Reed has shown exemplary performance and is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.”
Commissioner Rogers spoke about the evolving nature of incidents that the RFS responds to, acknowledging the expanded role they now play in medical emergencies.
“More than 30,000 incidents that our members attend right across the state, protecting homes, businesses, and lives,” he said, emphasising the vital contribution of RFS members not only in firefighting but in road crash rescues and medical emergencies.”
PHOTO: Commissioner Rogers highlighted the vast work the RFS undertake right across the state CREDIT: NSW RFS
“We honour the best of our people that go above and beyond, giving to their colleagues and communities more than was ever expected or asked,” Rogers added.
The ceremony underscored the immense sacrifice and dedication of RFS volunteers and staff, who often risk their own safety to aid those in dire circumstances. The stories of Butters and Reed are testament to the spirit of the RFS, where members put up their hands to help others, embodying the true essence of community service.