Susanna Freymark
Members of the Box and Boyd families stood and waited next to the heavy rescue truck at the Casino Rescue Squad awards ceremony at the Casino Community Centre on Saturday, November 14.
Eric Box and Brian Boyd were foundation members of the Casino Rescue Squad.
Region operations manager Inspector Paul Cowles said the squad wanted to honour both men.
“They built a rescue squad the community can rely on,” Mr Cowles said.
“Their legacy lives on every time Casino Rescue Squad answers the call for help.
“We honour their connection between the past and the future.”
As the plaque bearing the names of Eric Box and Brian Boyd was unveiled, everyone clapped.
Brian’s wife Daphne Boyd said it was unbelievable.
“It’s beautiful to have them recognised,” Ms Boyd said.
Damian and Nathan Box were there to see their father’s name immortalised on the truck.
“Their names will remain with us on the road ahead,” Mr Cowles said.
VRA Commissioner Brenton Charlton was in Casino to present the rescue squad awards and certificates.
These were the awards given out:
National Medal
Paul Cowles
Premier’s Citation – 2022 Floods
Jenifer Golding
William Evans
Dominic Edwards
Janice Danaher
Philip Cornish
Daphne Boyd
Noel Ball
The late Eric Box
Paul Cowles
Commissioner’s Citation – ex-tropical cyclone Alfred and the Mid North Coast/Taree floods
William Evans
Philip Cornish
Eathan McDonald
Samantha Slaney
Matthew Jackson
Dominic Edwards
Darren Skinner
Paul Cowles
Commissioner’s Commendation – recognising Casino Squad members for their extraordinary work on February 27, 2022
Philip Cornish
Noel Ball
Melanie Brenton
William Evans
Paul Cowles
Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service – for 2025 Mid North Coast flood emergency
Paul Cowles
Long Service Medal and Clasp Recipients
10 year medal
Janice Danaher
Dominic Edwards
Philip Banfield
45 year clasp
Noel Ball
Jeannette Ball
Daphne Boyd
The late Eric Box
The late Margaret Box
William Evans
Kay Evans
Certificates of Appreciation
Richmond Valley Council
Hotel Cecil
