Retained firefighters Tony Wheeler and Justin McCue recently received medals from the department in recognition of their long service.

Mr Wheeler, a firefighter for more than 36 years, received a clasp for his National Medal.

Fifteen years eligible service is necessary to qualify for the medal and clasps are awarded for each additional 10-year period.

Mr McCue received a NSW Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for his 11 years of service.

NSW Fire Brigade Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands Inspector Kim Reeson said to have people in the service for such a length of time shows a dedication to the community.

“It also shows the longevity of the service the job has changed a great deal,” he said. “It is a credit to those that have stayed with the job for so long.”

Both are retained firefighters, meaning they are “on call” from home or work and are not on duty at the station.

They respond to emergencies ranging from fires, car accidents, chemical spills, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as attend community events to offer fire education.

Most local firefighters have a full or part-time job, so when they are called out they have to stop what they are doing and get to the emergency scene.

Inspector Reeson said firefighters do a lot of extra training these days.

“We cover Hazmat, basic life support for firefighters as well, if they are injured we need to administer first aid to ourselves or people in other situations while we wait for other services to arrive,” he said.

“There is a multitude of skills that they have to cover nowadays."

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, December 24

leah.obrien@ruralpress.co m