On-call Springwood firefighter Stuart Hume’s 50 years of service was recognised by Fire and Rescue NSW last Thursday.
Mr Hume started at Lawson brigade and when he married and settled in Springwood he transferred to the Springwood Fire Station where he has been based for the past 43 years.
He has been Springwood’s engine keeper for nine years, looking after the appliances and fire engines.
Mr Hume has seen many fires in his 50 years’ service, and although he didn’t attend the October fires due to illness, he was surprised by the speed at which the Linksview fire took off.
“It’s amazes me how quickly it went from the time it started to how quickly it grew. It’s amazing there were no deaths, that was very fortunate.”
When he was still in high school Mr Hume helped out at a Mountains fire and that’s when he decided he’d like to assist regularly.
“It made me realise that we need people to fight fires,” he said.
Two other long-serving Springwood firefighters were also awarded by Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Greg Mullins, on Thursday.
Darren Moalem received a 15-years national medal and senior firefighter Mark Lutherborrow received his first clasp for 10 years service.