'Thank a First Responder' day celebrates Wagga police, paramedics, fire fighters

The inaugural 'Thank a First Responder' day, celebrated on June 2, was launched after a particularly trying six month start to the new decade.

While the day is celebrated nationally, Wagga's own police, paramedics and firies have spoken out about life first on the scene.

Turvey Park Fire and Rescue station officer Justin Bentley has been on the job for 25 years, and said it was the constant surprises that kept him motivated.

"I like to be involved in something that's worthwhile, and getting to help people every day is a big motivator," he said.

"It's also the fact that every day is different, the people you work with are like minded, and that most days you're helping people out of a difficult situation."

Mr Bentley said there had been many ups and downs over the years.

"There's definitely been some massive changes over the years, even just from the uniforms and the way things are run right down to public perception," he said.

"Particularly now, everyone has a mobile phone to record things or social media to share their opinions so we do tend to cop it a bit more, but you also get recognition too, and not just for us but with all the emergency services."

In other news

Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Bob Noble also joined the community in thanking his officers and the wider emergency services for their efforts over a difficult start to the year.

"Especially during the COVID-19 event, our mission have changed, it's altered slightly from our typical means of focusing on public safety, and crime and road trauma reduction," he said.

"I'd like to say that our police and colleagues in other emergency services have responded magnificently."

The ongoing pandemic, bushfires and other flow on effects have all contributed to a tough time for first responders, according to Superintendent Noble.

"They have been under a lot of pressure and scrutiny, they've been at a heightened risk of infection and other new dangers themselves, yet they have continued to take on the fight against crooks and shown commitment to being proactive," he said.

"There's a renewed focus on being in the right place at the right time to search people potentially doing the wrong things, and we have seen a very good month of May for property crimes across the entire district."

Superintendent Noble left the Riverina's first responders with a lasting message of gratitude.

"I would like to say thank you to my police force and emergency services here in the Riverina, and encourage you all to stick to the mission as the pandemic continues, which is clearly working," he said.