Anthony McEachern of VRA Rescue NSW Narromine Rescue Squad has been named as one of NSW's 28 top emergency service workers. 

"I was pretty stoked, actually, I don't do it to get recognised, but it was good to be recognised. Humbled to be nominated," McEachern told the Western Plains App.  

"I do it to give back to the community. It's such a good feeling to know we have helped someone on possibly their worst day. To give back to the community and help others, and help anybody who needs a helping hand".   



In his 20 years of service with the VRA, McEachern said he still remembers the day he received his accreditation. 

"That's when I became a fully-fledged rescue worker. That was such a special day to me. All the hard work and effort paid off". 

He told the Western Plains App he always been someone who enjoys helping others. 

VRA Rescue NSW is made of specialist rescue operatives working for their communities in 58 locations around the state. The bulk of their work is rescuing people trapped in car crashes. The organisation gets some government funding, but it relies mainly on fundraising through the community.  

The VRA squad has around 18 members whose mainly involves attending car crashes and often - getting people out of smashed cars they are entrapped in. 

Image: NSW VRA. 

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders congratulated McEachern on being recognized as a finalist in the 2023 Rotary Emergency Services Community 

Awards. 

"Our community has faced back-to-back natural disasters and challenging events over the past few years, whether it be floods, storms, COVID-19, bush fires and drought," Saunders said. 

"There seemed to be no respite for our first responders, including Anthony McEachern, but they never stopped working to protect local residents. 

"This courage and commitment is exactly why we continue to thank them and recognise them for their ongoing service” the member for Dubbo and NSW National Party Leader said. 

"Every year, these awards honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting people and property from a range of emergencies, hazards, and severe weather events." 

In a previous interview with a Western Plains App McEachern detailed how he has attended car accidents as the first responder where has found people dead. 

He said that having debriefs with other squad members after each incident they attend has helped him recover from these experiences. 

"We have a great comradeship in our squad, and it's a great thing to be involved in," McEachern told the Western Plains App this week. 



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