NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie joined Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall , council staff and other guests at the New England Airbase Precinct to officially hand over the keys of the new tanker and recognise long-serving members.

Mr Marshall said the new tankers, worth nearly $780,000, would enable these brigades to strengthen their firefighting efforts across the community with New England's new Cat 6 water tanker, providing back up water for the airbase and across the region in fire emergencies.

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"While the previous tankers have served these brigades well, I am confident these new state-of-the-art vehicles will prove to be invaluable assets to the area," Mr Marshall said.

"The NSW Government's ongoing investment in new vehicles ensures NSW RFS members have access to modern firefighting technology when responding to fires and other incidents."

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise 55 members of the New England Zone who had together amassed 1,350 years of service to the NSW RFS.

"Today we awarded long service medals and/or clasps to dedicated volunteers who had given between 10 and 60 years' of service to the community," Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

"These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

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"In particular, considering the magnitude of the 2019/2020 bushfires and the floods we are now experiencing, I would like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism.

"We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers.

"We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property."

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