LONG INNINGS

And it is a role that Culcairn resident Trevor Smith has held for more than 20 years.

Mr Smith has decided to hang up the boots from being a Retained Fire Fighter and his contribution to the community was recognised recently. 

NSW Fire and Rescue captain at Culcairn, Barry Fisher said long service in the game was extremely valuable.

He said the local knowledge and skills gathered over that length of time couldn’t be easily replaced. 

Mr Smith joined the NSW Fire Brigade on November, 1, 1996, the organisation is now known as Fire and Rescue NSW and retired on May, 15.

Captain Fisher praised Trevor for his work ethics.

“He will be missed, and he had a wealth of knowledge,” Mr Fisher said. 

“He was a very handy man in a crisis.”  A farewell for Trevor and wife Julie was held at the Culcairn Hotel on Sunday.

Trevor received a letter from Commissioner Paul Baxter thanking him for his service and was recognised by the award of the National Medal of Service and NSW Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with 1 clasp.

The commissioner also approved that he retain his association with Fire and Rescue NSW as an honorary Member of the Culcairn Fire Brigade

Captain Fisher said more than 20 people attended the gathering and he said long service was something that was certainly valued. 

“The expertise we see, and the knowledge of the local area and the community is valuable,” he said. 

“This sort of experience is difficult to replace in a hurry.” Captain Fisher said there had been a lot of changes over the years but the biggest occurred two years ago when the service became first responders for NSW Ambulance.