VOLUNTEER firefighter and Tea Gardens local Keith Baker has been awarded a medal for his 10 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Keith was among more than 100 volunteers acknowledged for a combined 2000 years of service to the Mid Coast region during a ceremony in Taree on 29 March.
RFS Chief Superintendent Kam Baker was joined by special guests and RFS members for the presentation of 89 Long Service Medals, nine National Medals, and eight certificates for the RFS Young Volunteer of the Year recipients.
“With years of service ranging from one to 67 years, many of these volunteers have devoted a significant portion of their lives to protecting others,” Chief Superintendent Baker said.
Keith retired after more than 45 years as an auto-electrician, a career that began with an apprenticeship at age 17 as a young Kiwi who had come to work in the mines in Western Australia.
He moved to Tea Gardens 10 years ago, where he was drawn to the local RFS brigade because he felt his skills could be useful in keeping the big trucks maintained.
“The local brigade members all get on, no dramas, like a family in a way,” Keith told News Of The Area.
“I enjoy helping out on Tuesdays, and assisting at incidents in the field, like helping people out of motor vehicle accidents, or helping get them to safety from floodwaters.”
Keith drives the “Bulky”, the big water carrier housed at the Tea Gardens station.
His experience and skills have been invaluable in keeping the Bulky and big Cat-1 on the road, among the rest of the local fleet.
He says he is looking forward to getting behind the wheel and under the hood of newer models that come this way.
Keith and other volunteer motor-enthusiasts can be found at the Tea Gardens Station on Tuesday mornings, checking over the fleet.
This has made them some of the best-maintained vehicles in the NSW RFS.
“I will keep doing it as long as I can,” Keith said.
RFS Chief Superintendent Kam Baker said, “Many RFS members go above and beyond for their brigades and local community, and it is fitting to recognise the dedication they all show.
“Their professionalism does not go unnoticed and while they don’t do the work for praise, their bravery and commitment should be acknowledged.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families, employers and support networks of RFS volunteers, without whom we could not be as resilient and effective in our mission to support and protect lives and property.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
