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A brand new Medium Rescue Vehicle has been delivered to the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) Willoughby Unit to boost their operational capability during the Storm Season.

Member for Willoughby Tim James officially handed over the keys to the $245,000 truck at a ceremony last night.

“The range of capabilities offered by this truck will allow our local volunteers to operate more effectively when protecting our community from severe storms and flash flooding,” Mr James said.

“It’s been an incredibly busy 12 months for the Willoughby Unit which has responded to 471 incidents. Whether it’s clearing falling trees or rescuing people trapped in cars by floodwaters, this Medium Rescue Vehicle is tailor made to give our volunteers everything they need to continue saving lives.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Medium Rescue Vehicle is designed for storm operations as well as both land-based and in-water flood rescue.

“This state-of-the-art truck has been delivered through the NSW Government's $116 million fleet replacement program, which is making sure SES Units across Greater Sydney and all of NSW have the very latest equipment,” Ms Cooke said.

“It will allow the Willoughby SES Unit to better respond to flood and storm operations and ensures our volunteers have the tools they need to continue the vital work they do day in and day out.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said the new vehicles being rolled out across NSW are most commonly used for flood rescues and complex storm operations.

“With communities across the state experiencing, or recovering, from rolling weather events, this new rescue truck will only further enhance the operational capability of the SES with assisting communities during flood, storms and other emergencies,” Commissioner York said. 

Member for Willoughby Tim James, SES Commissioner Carlene York and Willoughby Deputy Mayor Clr Brendan Zhu with members of the Willoughby Lane Cove SES Unit at the hand over ceremony for a medium storm vehicle.