Working in emergency services, there’s countless jobs you don’t remember – but there’s more that you’ll never forget.
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This has been Trevor Smith’s experience working for 20 years with the Culcairn Fire Brigade.
“I couldn’t tell you what year it was, but there was an accident north of Culcairn; there were a couple trucks involved and it was quite big,” he said.
“I didn’t know the young man but you put yourself in his parents’ position.
“That one, I’ll never forget.
“But you talk it over with your fellow members, and you get through things that way.”
Mr Smith’s experience as a retained firefighter has been overwhelmingly positive – making the decision to retire that much harder.
“It’s mainly to spend more time with family; they have been brilliant and deserve a big thank you,” he said.
“One thing I will not miss is getting up at 2am in the winter to find out it’s a false alarm.”
Mr Smith joined the NSW Fire Brigade in 1996 and finished up with Fire and Rescue NSW last month.
He remains an honorary member of the Culcairn Fire Brigade, receiving long service medals and a letter of thanks from Commissioner Paul Baxter.
Brigade captain Barry Fisher described his long-time offsider “a very handy man in a crisis” at a farewell event earlier this month.
Mr Smith said it was unexpected but “meant a lot” to be recognised for his time.
“It’s a good bunch of people at Culcairn,” Mr Smith said.
“Because I have left, we are in need of some members – I’d highly recommend joining to anyone.”
- By ELLEN EBSARY
