Fire and Rescue farewells Captain Malcom Smith Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 19, 2024 Captain Malcom Smith was honoured for 45 years of service with Fire and Rescue NSW. AFTER an impressive 45 years of dedicated service, Captain Malcom Smith of the Salamander Bay Fire and Rescue Station has hung up his helmet. On Saturday 6 July, 84 representatives of the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), alongside Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations Paul McGuiggan, Acting Superintendent James Murphy and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, gathered for a celebratory dinner at the Nelson Bay Golf Club to raise a glass to Captain Smith and more than four decades of service to the community. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The Deputy Commissioner presented Captain Smith with his certificate of service, and spoke highly of the legacy he leaves behind. “Malcolm has become a mentor to those around him, with many learning from his extensive operational experience,” said Mr McGuiggan. “These traits are something that FRNSW truly values, and while we’re happy for Malcolm to enjoy the next phase of life, it’s bittersweet to be losing such a great leader.” Kate Washington echoed the warm sentiments with her own remarks. “For an extraordinary 45 years, Captain Malcolm Smith has served our community of Port Stephens with distinction. “From on-call firefighter to Captain, he’s helped keep our community safe for four and a half decades.” Captain Smith reflected on 45 years in an ever-developing role. “When I started 45 years ago, we basically responded to bushfires, house and structure fires, and the odd car accident. “Now, we respond to so much more – from rescue incidents to HAZMAT, assisting ambulances… we’ve even had to rescue reptiles from homes. “The job has become quite broad compared to what it was when I started out.” Captain Smith’s suggestion to those who are at the start of their own fire-fighting careers is to stay open-minded. “Something new always pops up,” he said. “When you think you know it all, there’s always something different for you to learn or experience.“ Deputy Captain Glen Blanch of Salamander Fire Station described Captain Smith as “the true gentleman”. “Mal would always go above and beyond to help his colleagues and the general public. “Mal will be sadly missed, as the fire station was his second home, always giving 100 percent.” Captain Smith is looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time with his ten grandchildren, as well as travelling and perhaps even occasionally indulging his love for motorsports. He is succeeded in his role by Deputy Captain Rodney Limn. By Lindsay HALL Captain Malcom Smith was honoured for 45 years of service with Fire and Rescue NSW.
