John Francis has given 66 years of service to the RFS and has received the corresponding Long Service Medal with five clasps, with the medal and each subsequent clasp denoting a decade of service. 

Orana RFS Superintendent Lyndon Weiland thanked Mr Francis for his many years of ‘exceptional service’ during the ceremony. 

“John has been a true inspiration to the younger members coming up through the ranks within the brigade,” Superintendent Weiland said. 

John and Janet have resided at their property in Mumbil for the past 56 years and ‘Tara’ has been in the Francis family for nearly a hundred years prior to that. 

“His local knowledge of the Mumbil brigade area is second to none and is such a value to the Orana team and our local group captains.”

In addition to his duties with the RFS, John was also recognised for his work as a founding member of the Burrendong VRA by VRA Commissioner Mark Gibson, being awarded the Volunteers National Medal for his 44 years of service to the organisation. 

Mr Francis’ achievements include serving as Captain of the Mumbil brigade of the RFS for five years as well as serving as Senior Deputy and Deputy to the brigade for 50 years. 

“John has led many crews during major local fires as well as smaller fires and multiple vehicle accidents in the Mumbil brigade area,” Superintendent Weiland said. 

“He has helped teach many members of the Mumbil brigade the best and safest way to fight fires and has led by example, which has gained him much respect from his fellow members.”

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