Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, and Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins last Friday joined fire-fighters and community representatives to celebrate South Grafton Fire Station’s 100th anniversary. Commissioner Mullins said South Grafton Fire Station’s centenary celebration represented an important milestone for the community. “It is an opportunity to thank all of the fire-fighters, past and present, who have served the South Grafton community with such commitment and courage over the years,” Commissioner Mullins said. “For the past 100 years, fire-fighters have responded to major incidents from industrial and residential fires, floods and storms, to serious road accidents, from their Wharf St fire station. “But the history of South Grafton fire-fighters serving the community started long before that, with references as early as 1890 to two voluntary brigades providing protection for each side of the Clarence River. “In the early days of the brigade, lighting was provided by gas acetylene and kerosene lamps and there was no water available other than that in the river, tanks and wells. “The station’s first fire engine was a horse-drawn cart with a manual pump that had previously belonged to Grafton Fire Station. “Today, the 15 retained (on-call) fire-fighters stationed at South Grafton have a modern fire engine and the latest in equipment and technology to ensure the safety and protection of the local community,” Commissioner Mullins said. Commissioner Mullins also presented Long Service and Good Conduct medals and clasps to Deputy Captain Ken Danvers and Retained Fire-fighters Graham Dewberry, Andrew Smith and James Stevens at the centenary celebrations. South Grafton fire-fighters responded to 320 fire and emergency calls in 2013/14 and conducted nearly 40 community education and engagement activities.