But that was the case for Wayne Connors, Lake Albert Rural Fire Brigade’s Senior Deputy Captain, who has been at the brigade since 1998.

“When we moved to Gregadoo, I wasn’t aware of the danger period and I accidentally lit a small tree – luckily, I put it out with a hose after a neighbour told me,” Mr Connors said.

“A few crew members turned up and after realising I wasn’t aware, they said I should attend a meeting at the station.

“That was 20 years ago and I’ve been here since.”

His 20-year anniversary comes around the same time long-serving volunteers at the NSW RFS Riverina and Bland Temora zones were recognised in July and early August this year.

Mr Connors, 67, has spent 18 years on the brigade’s committee and leads the station’s community-engagement team, saying “I enjoy that aspect a lot”.

“Part of it is educating kids and adults, making people aware of bush fire safety and that sort of thing,” he said.

“We probably do 8–10 school visits a year.”

Asked highlights so far, Mr Connors cited his inclusion into a statewide team deployed to Gallipoli this year as part of the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

“Unfortunately, my wife was battling leukemia and had her brain bleeding so I came home early,” he said.

His wife, Karenne Connors, who died in May this year was part of the community engagement team at the brigade as well.

“The RFS is my family – they supported me when my wife passed away and I’m very fortunate that there are some beautiful people in the RFS,” Mr Connors said.

“We’re fortunate to have guys who are pretty dedicated.”

Prior to focusing on community engagement, Mr Connors was part of crews called upon to attend incidents.

He said it was not an easy, describing some incidents as “something out of a horror movie”.

Despite the tragic death of his wife and witnessing some horrific incidents, Mr Connors maintained that “there’s been a lot more good memories”.

“I just want to give back what I can to the RFS and the community,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Connors encouraged more people to consider joining the ranks.

“Besides jumping on trucks, there are other things you can do,” he said.

“I’d encourage anyone not only to join Lake Albert but any other RFS unit in the region.

“We’re a pretty good bunch of guys and we’re fortunate to have 10–15 guys who are pretty dedicated.”

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