A lot has changed since Brian Watkins started volunteer firefighting in 1986 but his passion for the job still burns strong.
Mr Watkins, manager of ranger and fire services for the City of Armadale, was recently recognised for his passion and dedication to volunteer firefighting with the national medal.
He began volunteering with the Karratha volunteer fire brigade before moving to the Bedfordale volunteer bushfire brigade where he has helped protect Perth residents from countless dangerous situations including the Kelmscott-Roleystone bushfires in February 2011.
He began volunteering because he wanted to give something back to the community he lived in.
“The personal benefits of fire service volunteering, skills development, the challenges and opportunities for friendship and camaraderie,” he said.
One of the biggest changes in volunteer firefighting was the introduction of the emergency services levy.
“The (levy)…established greater certainty of funding for supplying volunteer brigades with the appliances and equipment they need,” he said.
Reflecting on his volunteering Mr Watkins said the Kelmscott-Roleystone bushfires would stay with him.
“The Bedfordale volunteer bushfire brigade were one of the first brigades to respond and were last to leave several days later,” he said.
“The brigade carried out fire ground operational duties and was instrumental in saving numerous houses and the rescue of a quadriplegic man and his family.”
He said the fire was memorable because of the incredible speed it travelled and the devastating effect it had on the community with 72 homes destroyed.
“Gusty east winds were blowing all through the day, which made the fire move quickly and very unpredictable making it difficult to bring under control,” he said.
The national medal was established in 1975 as one of the first three elements of the Australian honours system.
It recognises members of government and voluntary organisations that risk their lives and safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
The medal was awarded to Mr Watkins by Armadale mayor Henry Zelones who commended him on his service to the community.
