Member for Bathurst Paul Toole presented Captain Kevin Ryan and Paul Hennessy with specially signed certificates and Community Service Awards recently for their services to Fire and Rescue NSW and the Scouting movement.

Captain Ryan served Fire and Rescue NSW - formerly known as NSW Fire Brigade - at the Bathurst station for 50 years.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

"Captain Ryan joined the Bathurst brigade as a retained (on-call) firefighter on September 15, 1969 and was appointed captain in 1986," Mr Toole said.

"He retired from the brigade on September 15, 2019, serving exactly 50 years to the day.

"In 2012, Captain Ryan received one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter could receive when he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.

"Captain Ryan has also been a driving force within the Firefighter Championships Association and has attended every state championship since 1970 and held the position of executive councillor since 1990.

"He has played a significant role in developing the skills of thousands of firefighters from across NSW and interstate.

"Over the last 50 years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his local brigade, Bathurst and the wider community and to Fire and Rescue NSW."

Mr Toole said Mr Hennessy joined the Scout movement at Cobar in 1971 and "has carried on his service to the youth of his local community at Bathurst some 48 years later".

Mr Toole said Mr Hennessy had helped the Scouting movement grow in the region through his strong work ethic and by instilling core values in others.

"These values include leading by example and an integrity which is reflected in all he does," Mr Toole said.

"This includes the fact he has received the Silver Cross for bravery.

"Despite the changing world and the society of today, Paul has on numerous occasions mentored and encouraged the youth in his local community to use the leadership skills gained by being involved with the Scouts.

"I see Paul as being an excellent role model for the Scouting movement as his unique and highly valued service has contributed to valuable relationships being formed throughout the community."