Lockhart Fire Brigade is celebrating 100 years of service to the Riverina community. Since forming in 1926, the brigade has responded to major incidents including the 2010 and 2012 floods and the 2007 Cootamundra silo fire.

Lockhart firefighters together share more than 200 years of combined service.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) today is celebrating Lockhart Fire Brigade’s 100 years of operation.

FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner - Field Operations Steven Hayes has joined Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, firefighters and local councillors to mark the occasion.

The brigade has served the Riverina since 1926, when united locals called for its formation.

The town’s firefighters initially served on a volunteer basis but began being paid in 1927. That same year, they were equipped with a horse-drawn turbine engine pumper.

With the brigade outgrowing its temporary site and following the arrival of a larger motorised truck, Lockhart’s first permanent fire station was opened in 1933.

Made up of a single engine bay, storeroom, shower and bedroom, that station would serve the community for nearly half a century.

A new base of operations was eventually built and opened in 1981.

Today’s firefighters proudly protect the Riverina with more than 200 years of combined service.

The town has only seen six captains lead its fire brigade over the past century, with Captain Jamey Anderson appointed in 2002.

Lockhart has responded to many significant incidents, including the town’s devastating floods in 2010 and 2012, and the 2007 Cootamundra silo fire which shut down the Sydney to Melbourne rail line for several days.

FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner - Field Operations, Steven Hayes said:

“It’s an honour to join the Lockhart community today to celebrate this centenary.

“On-call firefighters are the backbone of our regional cities and towns, protecting others while balancing existing work, businesses and family lives.

“They epitomise FRNSW’s motto: “Prepared for Anything.”

“The brigade’s commitment to serving Lockhart is reflected by its current members, seven of whom have protected the community for more than 20 years.

“Locals can feel proud of the men and women who have answered the call for Lockhart over the last century, and of the many more who will in the future.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr said it was an important opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution of generations of firefighters who have been there in times of trouble for a century.

“Their dedication and professionalism is reflected in the team that serves proudly today, with the long service of seven members and the leadership of Captain Jamey Anderson as only the sixth captain over so many decades demonstrating the commitment of the brigade to a grateful community.

“I am honoured to congratulate them for doing so much for so long and I know that Lockhart is justifiably proud of their brigade as an integral part of what makes this community such a great place to live and work.”