Special guests attend the evening included Chief Superintendent RS1 Ken Murphy and Senior Instructor Country Mick Johnson who spoke and presented Ossie with gifts on behalf of NSW Fire and Rescue.

It was a great pleasure to have also attended the evening with former captains, deputy captains and fire fighters. 

“We are to say goodbye to a very good friend and excellent fire fighter from station 230,” Station commander Terry Lomas said.

Speeches on the night also paid special mention to fire fighters’ partners and the important role family plays in the lives of fire fighters. 

A special mention was given to Dianne for her love and support of Ossie throughout his career as a fire fighter and his service to the Bombala community. 

She was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers. 

“Ossie’s time in the brigade has been a lengthy one,” Station commander Terry Lomas said. “He joined on May 15, 1976, and retired on March 20, 2014. 

“[They are] statistics that would be the envy of many emergency services personnel and something that he should be extremely proud of.

“On behalf of the current 230 crew it was amazing to hear stories from past and present fire fighters and the admiration they showed for Ossie as a fire fighter and what high opinion they have of Ossie as a person,” he said. 

Malcolm Lavender, on behalf of the members from 230 Bombala, presented Ossie with a memorabilia display case. 

It showcased his original and recently restored service axe, spanner and displayed service medals including national, long service, fire service as well as epaulettes and service clasps.