The countless calls, never-ending shifts and early mornings have come to an end for Vic Southgate who has said goodbye to firefighting after 42 years.
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Mr Southgate registered as a firefighter with the Mudgee Fire Brigade in 1979 after developing a desire to protect the community.
While he "never really gave much thought" to how long his service would last, for Mr Southgate, 42 years has flown by.
"It feels like yesterday I signed up to do firefighting. It just shows how fast time flies," he said.
Mr Southgate, who snagged the "coolest" number - #007 - according to Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, was presented with a Field Operations Challenge Coin, Fire and Rescue Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (three clasps) and a Certificate of Service on November 3.
"42 years is an amazing period of service in any organisation. It's a block of service that not many people do and deserves to be recognised," Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment as a firefighter. All I wanted to do was provide a service to the community and protect people," Mr Southgate added.
Mudgee Fire Brigade captain, Mark Collins thanked not only Mr Southgate for his commitment to station 387, but also Mr Southgate's wife, Carole.
"The job we do is like no other, there are no set shifts or times for when we start and finish, we just know that when that pager sounds, there's someone in need and we drop everything to respond," Mr Collins said.
"42 years is a huge commitment, not just from a firefighter but from their family too, and we thank Vic and Carole for their commitment to NSW Fire and Rescue and the Mudgee community.
"We wish them all the very best for their future without the phone or pager sounding."
Mr Southgate looks forward to enjoying his retirement, which will be spent on endurance bike rides.
"I do quite a few in Victoria so I intend to do more of that because it's something I love to do."
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