A RIVERINA fire brigade has said goodbye to its captain, who is retiring after almost 50 years as a firefighter.
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Phillip Furnell joined Coolamon's Fire and Rescue brigade in 1973 after hearing of a space opening up while working in the station's garage.
"I was asked if I'd be interested, and naturally said yes," Mr Furnell said.
"I come off a farm so I already volunteered with the Rural Fire Service and helped them fight fires on occasions."
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Born and raised in Coolamon, the 71-year-old said he'd faced many challenges during his time with the brigade.
"My first major fire was the theatre at Coolamon, just after that was the chaff mill," he said.
"One of the most major incidents I attended though was an aeroplane crash back in 1995, it was quite bad and I knew two of the blokes killed so it was pretty tough to deal with."
Change has been evident during his years of service, both in his role and in the system.
Mr Furnell climbed the ranks to Deputy Captain on May 1, 1983, before jumping to Captain on May 5, 2000, which he has held the role of ever since.
"When I first joined Fire and Rescue NSW, you'd simply go to the station on drill night, the inspector from Wagga would come out and show everyone drills with the hoses," he said.
"We used the 70 mill hose for everything too, the engine would go flat out and if we ever got caught using anything smaller we'd be in trouble."
Now, however, Mr Furnell said the tables have turned.
"The 38 mill hoses are all we really use now, the smaller size helps reduce the damage that the 70 mill would cause from the pressure," he said.
The now ex-firefighter said everything right down to their boots had advanced over the years, with better technology and more knowledge around safety.
"When I started, all we really had for the rescue side of things was a crowbar, a few bits and pieces, now it's all hydraulic gear," Mr Furnell said.
During his service, Mr Furnell gained a Long Service and Good Conduct medal with three clasps, and a National Medial with three clasps.
The next change he faces may just be the hardest yet.
"Not working has taken a bit of getting used to, but time goes on I suppose," he said.
"We were all very close at the brigade and you tend to stick together, so I've really enjoyed working with them all and I can't leave out my extremely good mentor, the old Captain George Tugley, who I learned a lot from."
FRNSW Duty Commander for the Coolamon region Nicholas Beattie said firefighters like Mr Furnell were invaluable to the service.
"We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and community-minded spirit that Phil has shown for Coolamon," he said.
"Without people having that selfless attitude, we would really struggle as an organisation."
Duty Commander Beattie said the crew was "immensely proud and grateful" for Mr Furnell's work, expressing their sadness in parting ways.
"His legacy will stay for a long time with the training and mentorship he has passed on to all others under his guidance," he said.
FRNSW will be holding a small march out parade on Friday at 11.00am, held at 69 Bruce Street, Coolamon.
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