RODNEY Hargrave was ready to call time on his retained firefighting career, about 10 years ago.
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“At times, it does get taxing,” Captain Hargrave told The Leader.
“You can get a string of calls and it can feel like you’re living at the station.”
He was having breakfast with his family, about a decade ago, and told his then eight-year-old son he’d soon have more time at home.
“It’s only another fortnight and dad won’t be a firefighter,” he told his son.
With tears in his eyes, the young boy implored his father to stay in the job.
Even with the offer of more time for fishing and hunting, the boy told his dad he had to “help people”.
It’s why Captain Hargrave credited his family ahead of being awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), the highest honour an Australian firefighter can receive.
“You can’t operate as a retained firefighter unless you’ve got all the support from your family,” he said.
He joined the Uralla firies in 1991 and he ascended to the role of captain in 2009.
He also works with Uralla Shire Council in the parks and gardens department, which he said could get “as hectic” as his retained role.
The firefighter’s role has changed markedly over the years, now responding to medical emergencies, around the clock, as a Community First Responder unit.
In a small town, it can be difficult knowing you’ll be first on the scene at car accidents and other maladies, with a fear the injured could be a close friend.
“It’s always in the back of your mind,” he said.
“Sometimes it makes the job easier because you know the person and know they will cope with what’s going on.”
He said the most rewarding side of the job was knowing someone’s life had been made better on a bad day thanks to Fire and Rescue’s involvement.
He will be presented with his AFSM at a ceremony later in the year.
Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter praised the Uralla man for his work transitioning the unit to a Community First Responder station.
“Captain Hargrave has continually gone above and beyond the call of duty, training and managing his team of firefighters to deal with difficult emergency incidents in their own community,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“He has helped recruit, develop and lead the firefighters attached to Uralla Fire Station and encouraged members of his team to take on leadership roles by creating an inclusive and diverse working environment.”
He has also been actively involved with the Firefighter Championships over many years and provided mentoring to many retained firefighters who participate at these events.