Local RFS staff member recognised for 41 years of service

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented Far West Team  Inspector Robyn Favelle with a Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp at a ceremony in Orange last week in recognition of 41 years of service to the RFS. ▪ Photo contributed
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented Far West Team
Inspector Robyn Favelle with a Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp at a ceremony in Orange last week in recognition of 41 years of service to the RFS. ▪ Photo contributed

Inspector Robyn Favelle from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far West Team was recognised for her 41 years of service to the RFS at a special ceremony in Orange last week.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented Inspector Favelle with her Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp at a Region West staff meeting in Orange last Wednesday along with four other NSW RFS members in recognition of a total of 111 years of service.

Inspector Favelle joined the NSW RFS as a member of the Sandy Creek Brigade in December 1974 during the catastrophic fires that ravaged the Cobar district during the 1974/1975 fire season.

As a member of the Sandy Creek Brigade she was also involved in the incident management team during the significant fire season of 1984/85, as well as assisting her brigade in fire fighting activities during that period. She fully participated in all aspects of brigade activities and was Brigade President for a number of years.

In May 1997 Inspector Favelle became a professional member of the NSW RFS and was employed at the Cobar District office.

In her career with the RFS she has carried out roles in community safety and operations and is currently the Far West Team District Coordinator providing a high level of management support and expertise to the team.

Inspector Favelle has also undertaken many roles within the Incident Management Team environment including Operations Manager and Deputy Incident Controller at numerous significant fire events.

During her time with the NSW RFS Inspector Favelle gained recognition for her innovative approach to remote area emergency management activities including the award of the National Medal in 2003 and subsequent clasps, the AFAC Individual Knowledge and Innovation award in 2013 and she was also presented with a Commissioners Commendation for Service in 2014.

Over the years she has been an advocate for the inclusion of women in the higher levels of NSW Rural Fire Service management and continues to support other women in the service.