Eulomogo Rural Fire Service (RFS) Senior Deputy Captain Barry Whalan and Deputy Captain Victor (Paul) Vaughan were among hundreds of volunteer firefighters from across NSW who were recognised with awards as part of the annual commendations for exceptional service and bravery.

Senior Deputy Captain Whalan was awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Service.

The Senior Deputy Captain has been an active member of the NSW RFS Eulomogo brigade since 1975. He also spent 10 years in the Mumbil Brigade and is currently a member of the Orana Support brigade.

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In 2006 he received a commissioners commendation for his Rural Fire Service Association involvement and dedication in running local championship competitions. He has also been awarded the National Medal, first and second clasp and the NSW RFS long service medal and clasps for 40 years of service.

In 2016 Senior Deputy Captain Whalan received life membership to the Eulomogo brigade.

According to his citation, Senior Deputy Captain Whalan was recognised for his service during the 2019/20 fire season where he drove a bus with crews being deployed to the northern NSW fires on several occasions, and was also on standby for further trips.

It was also during this time he was deployed on three strike teams to southern NSW fires.

"In between deployments he continued to actively support the Eulomogo brigade, energetically helping to recruit and train new members," the citation read.

"Senior Deputy Captain Whalan is passionate about his training involvement with the Eulomogo brigade as well as assisting within the district.

"He has been actively involved in the training of cadets at two of Dubbo's local schools. He continues to educate and encourage these cadets to develop an insight into fire safety and prevention."

Deputy Captain Vaughan was awarded the Commissioner's certificate of Commendation.

Deputy Captain Vaughan had previously been an active member with the NSW RFS Moorbel brigade from 1990 to 2003.

He re-joined the service with the Eulomogo brigade in 2012, and has been a dual member with the Orana Support brigade since 2017. He is currently one of Eulomogo's deputy captains and has held this position since 2016.

According to his citation, Deputy Captain Vaughan's commitment to the Eulomogo brigade was evident when he completed extensive training to ensure he could safely and effectively undertake the roles he was assigned to.

"He actively attends incidents and volunteers for deployments whenever the situation arises," the citation read.

According to his citation, his deployments during the 2019/20 fire season were outstanding.

As early as September 2019, he was volunteering to help fight fires, either directly or in support roles. His strike team deployments during this period included once to Rylestone and twice to Dorrigo.

"Deputy Captain Vaughan's exemplary commitment to the NSW RFS, particularly during the 2019/20 fire service is worthy of recognition," the citation read.

The two firefighters will be presented their awards at a regional ceremony to be held in coming weeks to adhere to COVID safety guidelines.