THERE’S not much Candelo resident Harmen Kampman hasn’t experienced when it comes to an emergency situation.
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After more than 50 years in the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Mr Kampman has been involved in pretty much every natural disaster possible.
His selfless dedication to community service has been rewarded this week in the Australia Day honours list.
Mr Kampman is to receive an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), much to his surprise.
Mr Kampman decided to join the RFS Candelo Brigade in 1960 as an 18-year-old a few years after his parents’ farm was affected by fire.
Originally from Holland, the Kampman family arrived in Australia in 1951 and ended up near Ando on the Monaro (between Bibbenluke and Nimmitabel) where he and his sister Jan began their new life.
The family then moved to the Bega Valley in 1957 to a Kameruka dairy, “Holdan Hill”, where they share farmed.
Four years later the Kampmans bought their own farm on the Candelo-Wolumla Rd, “Brentwood”, where Mr Kampman and wife Maureen still reside to this day.
It was while Mr Kampman was away working as a jackeroo on the Monaro that the property was threatened by fire, which went through Candelo at the back of the cemetery.
In 1989 he was appointed captain of the Candelo RFS, a position he has held now for 25 years.
In his time with the brigade, Mr Kampman has seen it become a very strong crew with some 40 members.
His response to call outs - locally, within and outside the state - has been immediate, no matter the time, the day or the emergency.
The qualities he demonstrates have a very motivational effect on his team.
He is always the first to offer support or assistance in any community event while never missing an opportunity to promote the NSW Rural Fire Service and all that it does.
The achievements of the Candelo RFS brigade in the past 20 years, a time of enormous change, have been under his leadership.
He has overseen construction of a new facility, the upgrading of vehicles, the implementation of constant training and solid growth in volunteer numbers.
He was instrumental in introducing junior membership in the brigade.
The brigade now has six junior members ranging from 13 to 17 years of age.
Mr Kampman is highly regarded for the manner in which he conducts himself and for his knowledge and commitment to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
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