For almost 50 years, John Smith protected the community of Colembally as a firefighter.
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That service was recognised on Monday when Mr Smith was among eight NSW Rural Fire Service members awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
The Australian Fire Service Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service, and is the highest NSW RFS award that can be bestowed.
NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the eight members represent “the very best of the RFS”.
He siad he was proud to see their service formally recognised with this national honour.
While Mr Smith displayed his immense gratitude for the award, he couldn’t help but feel guilt for the “thousands and thousands of forgotten members” who weren’t receiving an award.
“It’s not for you; it’s for all the people volunteering, giving up their spare time and putting themselves in clear and present danger who don’t get a medal,” he said.
“It’s the forgotten 30,000 plus members who all deserve an award - each and every one of them.
“I wish I could divide it up and share it with all of them.”
Mr Smith joined the Coleambally brigade in 1976, taking on the captain’s role the following year.
What was only meant to be a quick viewing of a 1926 Dennis fire engine and a Blitz truck, quickly turned into a 44 year commitment to the community.
“It’s a funny story actually,” said Mr Smith.
“I attended my first fire at eight years-old, as I was the only one in the family that could drive the blitz.
“When I moved to Coly in 1976, I was walking past the fire station and saw these two beautiful trucks and fell in love.
“I asked these three blokes if I could have a look and they all gave me a big grin ... six months later I was captain!”
In 1999, Mr Smith became a deputy group captain, and then group captain in 2003.
During his service, he has led several strike teams to out-of-area incidents, including the Black Saturday fires in 2009, Canberra, Tumbarumba and into Springwood the day after the town was devastated by fire in 2013.
He also joined four strike teams in various locations in the 2019-20 fire season.
Outside of the RFS, Mr Smith was a science teacher at Coleambally Central School, which led him into fire training duties with the RFS.
He assisted with the Secondary Schools Cadet and Kids Fire Wise programs.
“I enjoyed and got a lot of satisfaction from teaching groups of kids basic fire fighting,” he said.
“It was pleasing to know that I was teaching these kids practical skills that would be useful for the rest of their lives.”
Mr Smith said out of the groups he taught, many of the students returned to volunteer themselves years later.
“It was great to see the young ones coming back to volunteer,” said Mr Smith.
“Like many organisations, we are ageing and it is so important to grab the youth who have a lot to give.”
Mr Smith’s background in science also aided his progression in the fire service.
He became a fire investigator in 2008.
“Being a fire investigator was interesting,” he said.
“It’s kind of like CSI, but a whole lot slower.”
While Mr Smith recognised the commitment that comes with being a volunteer firefighter, he said it is worth it knowing you are helping to protect the community.
“The majority of firefighters are pleased with what they do,” he said.
“They don’t get carried away, they just know it has to be done.
“I guess it’s just that somebody’s got to do it type attitude.
“There’s an awful suspense during those days when the temperature is north of 40°C, the humidity is south of 10 per cent, the wind is howling in from the north eest at 60 clicks, the sun glaring at you personally, and the western horizon is smeared with dust – or is it smoke?
“And there’s a sinking feeling when the phone rings at three in the morning, in the middle of winter.
“And after it’s finished, the permeating aroma of charred something coming from the bathroom and the laundry and the clothesline, as we prepare for round two or three.”
Mr Smith emphasised that while it was only ‘one bloke’ who received the medal, there is a multitude of people who also deserve the recognition.
He particularly paid tribute to members and founders of the Coleambally brigade who have passed on, like Brian Fletcher, Jimmy Watters and Brian Ramage.
“There’s also Members of the Coly brigade who have chased fires for years and probably will forever - the Breed tribe, Pickles, Whitey, Paul Muir, Chris Chirgwin, and so many others.
“It’s also for our spouses, partners, and family members - especially Gini, Sarah and Julie - who have had to put up with the sudden absences from family meals, long silences from loved ones whose whereabouts and welfare are unknown.”
“Our gratitude to our families knows no bounds, even though we may not say it enough.”
While Mr Smith has recently left Coleambally, he is still volunteering, fighting fires and helping the community at the Basin View brigade.
His citation reads that he “displays the finest attributes of volunteer spirit and commitment”, which could not be more fitting.
Cadet Journalist