YOUNG Rural Fire Service volunteer Lahvynnia Low went through a number of emotions when she found out she'd won a statewide award.
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"At first I was very shocked," she said. "I didn't really know what it was. And then it got explained and then I started crying."
Lahvynnia, who is just 16 but is already an old hand at the RFS, has been named one of two Young Volunteers of the Year as part of an award program that aims to recognise achievement in the state's emergency services.
She won the award for the 12 to 15 years category, for which she was eligible when the nominations were made.
She didn't know she'd been nominated by her Bathurst Brigade and was told over dinner with her family and captain.
"It's such a dream," she said.
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Lahvynnia joined the Bathurst RFS Brigade at the tender age of 12 and "ever since then, I've been training, I come to meetings, I go to maintenance, I do courses".
"I'm very passionate about it," she said.
"I grew up around it [the RFS] and I love getting to know so many people, I love learning new skills, I love learning about teamwork, communication, I love learning about the trucks."
The middle of the week, she said, is her brigade's time.
"Every Wednesday, I put the RFS first. And if there's community engagement, I put aside a weekend."
The announcement from the RFS about Lahvynnia's award said she "was an asset to the Chifley team during the Gospers Mountain fire where she volunteered whenever possible, and assisted with night logistics at the Fire Control Centre".
It also said she is active in mentoring new junior members in the brigade, "continues to show dedication beyond her years" and "has a bright future in the service".
