Dean Campbell and Robert Scott.

It doesn’t have to be said that firefighting is a tough job, so being recognised for your firefighting efforts is something to be revered. This makes three of Harden’s firefighters at the Harden Fire and Rescue station receiving service awards even more admirable.

Captain Wal Leonow, Engine Keeper Jon Parker and Deputy Captain Robert Scott all received various awards for their service, Wal and Jon receiving a second clasp for 25 years’ service. Robert Scott received a 10 year service and good conduct medal. Jon was unfortunately not able to be present on the night.

Dean Campbell said that he is more than happy to see such a good crew in a small country town.

“We have state medals that we present to our staff at the ten-year mark, so long service and good conduct medals, and also a national medal. As the service continues, we actually get another clasp on that medal. Some of our members here tonight have been here for 20 years. They’ve been presented with it tonight, which is really good to see,” he said.

Dean Campbell and Wal Leonow.

“We’re really lucky that we’ve got a really deep skill set here at Harden and right across our zone, we cover quite a large area. We’re really highly trained in motor vehicle accidents and high angle rescues and as well as firefighting. We do a whole heap of other roles in the community, as well as community safety, it’s not just fire.

“We’re certainly lucky to have them on board. Our staff have very long tenure, usually, once people become staff, they stay for a long time, which is really good to see because we put a lot of training in. The skills our more senior members have built up over those 20 years are just invaluable. As we have new staff come through, they teach the new staff, mentor them, and train them safely, which is really good.

“We’re always recruiting right across our zone, at these times, especially post-Covid it can be hard to find staff. We’ve got a really high level of fitness and medical requirements to get through, so while it is hard to get in, people stay for a long time because we have such a good crew.”

Harden certainly feels safer knowing a team like this has our back if we’re ever in trouble.

Jack Murray