Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie AFSM told the crowd at Coonabarabran that local volunteers of the Rural Fire Service had given their lives to protecting their communities, as he presented medals for their incredible commitment.

In total 88 RFS Long Service Medals were presented - representing nearly 3,000 years of combined service.

He also officially handed over 13 state-of-the-art firefighting appliances at two ceremonies in Coonabarabran and Gilgandra.

Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie said the new state-of-the-art firefighting trucks to brigades across rural and northern NSW will bolster the Service’s capability ahead of the next fire season.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie gave a special mention to firefighter Leslie “Dick” Nott AFSM for an incredible 72 years of service to his community.

“With more than seven decades of dedicated service, members like Dick truly embody the spirit and heart of the RFS,” said Deputy Commissioner McKechnie.

“At 86 years of age, Dick continues to serve his community proudly as an active member of the Coona Fringe Brigade as well as the Castlereagh Support Brigade.”

 “These medal ceremonies are an important opportunity to celebrate and thank our volunteers for their extraordinary service to the community,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

Federal MP for Parkes Jamie Chaffey commended Mr Knott.

"Dick's service and love for volunteering is amazing,'' he said.

Mr Knott said receiving the honour was "pretty exciting and pleasing."

New fire trucks were also delivered to Coonabarabran and Gilgandra RFS brigades. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]

He first volunteered in Gunnedah in 1952 and Narrabri after he left school.

"I have enjoyed working and training with the RFS," the veteran volunteer said.

‘’In the old days I was a farmer and I would get a call so I would grab a knap-sack, an axe and a rake to help other farmers and we would go out and fight the fire no great technology or big equipment in the 1950’s.’’

Mr Knott was awarded with a Kings Birthday Australian Fire Service Medal this year after decades of service to the RFS and 25 years with the State Emergency Services.

‘’I trained fire fighters in Coonabarabran, through the Castlereagh and in Dubbo and for the SES," he said.

"I hope I have made a difference to people who didn’t quite get how we could save lives and protect land and homes, families.

‘’The new trucks help us and the fellas do a great job and when I train the young ones they tell me I have made an impact and difference to their lives.

"It does make my day when they say 'Dick you have changed my life' and its good helping people.’’

Dick has two sons, two daughters and he is proud of their achievements but he has showed no signs of stopping.

‘’I'm getting a hip operation next but I should be right to go out there and help out this fire season," he said.

"I don’t do this for the glory, I love being out and helping our community.’’

Commissioner McKechnie said Mr Knott’s tireless devotion said a lot about the RFS.

“Each medal represents years, and in many cases, decades - of commitment, sacrifice and selfless service.

“To be recognising almost 3,000 years of combined service is simply remarkable, and it speaks to the strong spirit of volunteering that exists in these rural communities,” he said.