Temora Fire and Rescue NSW Captain Greg Matthews has retired after 45 years of service. Photo: We deliver.
After 45 years in the area, the time has come for Temora Shire’s long-time Fire Chief.
Temora Fire and Rescue NSW Captain Greg Matthews, 64, puts on his fire helmet after nearly 50 years keeping his community safe.
On October 28th, Captain Matthews was honored in a special ceremony.
Born and raised in Temora Fire and Rescue NSW’s fire chief’s journey began on October 1, 1977 as a firefighter.
The captain said the best part of his job over the last 40 years has been helping people.
“We (Temora Fire and Rescue NSW) have saved the lives and property of many people in Temora and have been involved in the community that can provide smoke detectors,” he said.
Captain Matthews said he was “extremely proud” of the work he has done to serve the Temoran community and thanked his “amazing crew, wife and family” for their support.
“Without them, I wouldn’t have made it… It’s not an individual effort. You need a team and family behind you,” he said.
A Temora fire chief has been planning to retire for several years, but said it would be difficult to remove his fire helmet.
Born and raised in Temora Fire and Rescue NSW’s fire chief’s journey began on October 1, 1977 as a firefighter. Photo: We deliver.
“I picked dates years ago…you can’t stick to these jobs. Young men and women’s jobs,” he said.
“I miss seeing them. [his crew]it will be difficult, but I’m still going to keep all the friendships.
When asked why he joined Fire and Rescue, Captain Matthews shared an anecdote.
“The old captain had a store on the street and would call people over and say, ‘Would you like to join the fire brigade?'” said Captain Matthews. “That was his hiring style.”
During his nearly 50-year career with Fire and Rescue, the Captain has seen many changes in organization. Photo: We deliver.
“He described the work involved. It looked very exciting. Firefighters were well respected, so I thought, ‘Let’s do it.'”
Captain Matthews said his job was made relatively easy because the Temora crew helped him on his journey.
The fire chief has been on the front lines with firefighters in major wildfires across the state over the last few decades, helping with massive flooding.
Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Futrell, Temora Fire and Rescue Chief Greg Matthews and Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Steer. Photo: We deliver.
Captain Greg Matthews and crew of Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales. Photo: We deliver.
The Fire Chief of Temora receives a guard of honor from the Fire and Rescue Brigade. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue NSW Captain Greg Matthews is saluted by the crew as he exits the Temora Fire Station with his wife Karen. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
Temora Fire and Rescue New South Wales Captain Greg Matthews. Photo: We deliver.
He shared a story of when he and his crew were stuck in a dangerous situation – overrun by fire.
“Our truck was overrun when a fire broke out around Burrinijuck about 10 years ago. [by fire] there we were in it [the truck] – It was a pretty precarious situation to get out of,” he said.
“The fire was on either end of us, we were stuck in the middle, but we eventually managed to get out.”
During his nearly 50-year career with Fire and Rescue, the Captain has seen many changes in organization.
“When we first started, we had very limited rescue equipment and fire protection equipment,” said Captain Matthews.
“Everything has changed. We have the best equipment and uniforms. Technology is a big part of the fire brigade.”
Captain Matthews encouraged young community members considering joining Fire and Rescue to take the leap.
“I strongly recommend it [it] … Raise your hand and take the role. It’s one of the most satisfying jobs he’s had in the world,” he said.
The Fire Chief thanked the Temora Community, Council, Local Fire Department, NSW Ambulance, SES and Police for their support to the fire brigade.
The fire captain’s retirement plans include traveling around Australia in a caravan.
Original article published by Sri Gayathiri Rajen in Region Riverina.
