A Cobargo resident and long-time foster carer who lost his house in the summer bushfires has been presented replacement medals by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
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This week, Superintendent Mick Travers and Inspector Dean Elliott travelled to Cobargo to visit retired AFP member Senior Constable David Rugendyke.
An AFP spokesperson said Mr Rugendyke's house was destroyed in the devastating fires earlier this year and he lost all his service medals along with all other personal items.
His new house is now under construction and it is hoped it will be completed by Christmas.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Travers presented Mr Rugendyke with a replacement National Medal, AFP Service Medal and Certificate of Service and then joined him for lunch and a tour of his new house.
"Mr Rugendyke has dedicated his life to helping others, serving as a police officer with the AFP and ACT Policing for 18 years, and a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly for four years," the AFP spokesperson said.
"He is currently a volunteer firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service and along with his wife Barb, has provided foster care to over 400 children over the past 35 years."