Of just seven national medals presented on the day, four went to members of the Valla Brigade, which zone manager, Lachlann Ison, said was pretty unusual.

Valla Brigade members, the father and son team of Peter and Michael Brougham as well as Ron Henderson and Wayne Pade, were honoured.

National medals are awarded to NSW RFS members who go above and beyond the call of duty, and in recognition of their years of diligent service.

Michael Brougham, who has gone on to a career in the RFS, said it was good to be recognised and especially together with his father.

“Dad’s been doing this for more than 44 years and I’ve been here 18 years,” Michael said.

“It is definitely thanks to dad that I got involved - as a little kid I was always bursting to head out the door with him.

“It is the camaraderie of the volunteers and the staff that is so special ... plus the joy of helping the community and keeping people safe.”

Brigade captain Peter Brougham was humble in his acknowledgement of the award, saying the reward of the job was the smiles on people’s faces when you helped them.

Valla’s senior deputy captain, Ron Henderson, said it all came as a bit of a surprise.

“It’s just one of those things you do in the country,” Ron said.

“Peter and I have been working side-by-side for more than 44 years ... I plan to keep going for as long as I am fit and able.”

Other shire RFS volunteers to receive awards were Gary McDonald and Garry James, both from the Scotts Head Brigade, who received long service medals.

Mr Ison said of the 17 brigades in the Nambucca Local Government Area, Valla was historically one of the busiest.

“Not only does Valla Brigade attend a large number of grass and bush fires in their local area, but they are also one of the first to put up their hands to travel ‘out of area’ and assist colleagues around NSW,” he said.

“Being located close to the Pacific Highway also means the brigade attends many serious vehicle accidents - hopefully the new highway duplication will assist in this regard.”