Phil Downs, 65, has been recognised with an Emergency Services Medal in Friday's Australia Day honours.

The Holbrook man is the last remaining founding member of the squad, which was formed in 1980.

Mr Downs guesses he has been to between 70 and 100 fatal crashes in that time, but his work to free people from vehicles has also saved lives.

“It hasn’t been an easy time,” he said.

“But you just do your thing, do your bit for the community, and that’s a part of it.”

The volunteer work has also taken him away from the rural town to major emergencies, including the rescue of Stuart Diver at Thredbo following a landslide in 1997.

Mr Downs had been a member of the Rural Fire Service but moved to the SES in search of “a bit more of a challenge”.

Volunteers with the rescue squad must have a wide range of skills. 

The Holbrook group is considered a go-to unit for car crash expertise. 

“We’re mainly a road crash unit,” he said.

“That’s our main role at Holbrook.

“It can be confronting, but we’ve got a pretty good system for debriefing and looking after members.

“When we have a really bad one, we look after each other pretty well.”

The unit was in the top six busiest in the state for workload when it started.

Thankfully, progress has led to a reduction in the number of jobs attended by the squad. 

“The roads are better, there are more police on the roads, there are ads on TV for things like fatigue,” Mr Downs said.

“We’re not getting the work we used to, which is awesome for members of the public.

“The equipment change has also been unbelievable.

“In the early days, you used to do things with a hacksaw.

“We now have motorised gear with the jaws of life.”

Mr Downs said he doesn't seek the spotlight and was shocked when told of the Australia Day award. 

“I didn't join the SES for a pat on the back – that's not my thing,” he said. 

“It's an honour.

“I'm still coming to terms with it.