Fitting farewell for firefighter

The now retired fire captain was honoured among 100 family, friends and comrades at a farewell dinner held at the Young Services Club.

The night attracted the likes of Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, zone superintendent and area commander officers, fire captains from Cootamundra, Harden and Grenfell, former Yass captain of 45 years, Goulburn deputy captain, former inspectors and training officers, and current and ex-firies from Young.

Young Ambulance Inspector Stephen Pollard, Young Police Inspector Ashley Holmes, RFS representatives, mayor John Walker, various councillors and general manager Peter Vlatko were also present.

And by Don’s side was wife Shirley, their three children Joy, Michael and David, nine grandchildren and Don’s four sisters.

It was also all right on par with his 65th birthday, which he celebrated with Shirley on Monday.

“Firefighters from the Cowra station came over to man our station so our local lads could attend,” Don said.

“[And] having the commissioner there was a big honour.” Don said.

Up there with the night’s highlights was the tear-jerking moment when his son David wrote and sang him a song - ‘Yes he can, the old man can’ - with all of Don’s grandchildren.

“It was emotional, it was very special.” 

It all began for a 25-year-old Don - youngest of six, born and bred in Young - in 1974 when his then employer, local builder and firefighter Clarrie Roberts persuaded him to join.

He was engine keeper for 11 years, captain for four years from 2010 and participated in countless HAZMAT emergencies, rescues, fire awareness campaigns, Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement for the Elderly programs and charity fundraisers.

“My highlight has been helping people and good rescues because I love rescues and saving people,” he said.

But with great responsibility also came, at times, great sadness, with Don’s worst memory being  the Monarch Air disaster of 1993.

Don was one of the first firefighters on scene.

It was also four decades of change which Don bore witness to  - changes to firefighting equipment, uniforms and firefighting methods.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is the introduction of breathing apparatus - back then you used to hold a hankie over your mouth,” Don said.

“It’s just amazing, we used to use great big hoses, charge in and ruin everything in between.

“Now you go in and find the seed of the fire.”

“I’m going to miss the comradeship of the members, not only in Young but all of the brigades, the people you meet - and working with all the emergency services,” he said.

“And the charity side, handing a $1000 cheque to help someone carry on for a little longer was a good feeling.

“I want to thank the community of Young for their support as a captain and I wish Ryan all the best... he’ll do great and the crew is excellent.”