Yarramundi Rural Fire Brigade captain awarded lifetime membership

Ed Cameron joined the NSW Rural Fire Service as a member of Regentville in 1991, then moved on to Yarramundi in 1995 where he became captain in 2003.

"I was looking for a nice little brigade that just got on and got into it," Mr Cameron told the Gazette.

The brigade presented Mr Cameron with his life membership on Monday, October 13, and the humble captain said he had been honoured by the move.

"I'm not a real awards person - I'm 58 and pretty old school - but all in all it was really nice," he said.

Mr Cameron has attended everything from bushfires through to motor vehicle crashes over the years, however admits he has been "a bit quiet over the last few months" after being diagnosed with lung cancer, which has spread to his liver and spine.

But despite facing six rounds of chemo treatment, Mr Cameron is back with the brigade.

"For the first couple of months the senior deputy captain took over and I was talking with him in the background, he did a great job," Mr Cameron said.

"I went out to the [recent] Vineyard fire, I managed to get on the truck there, and I've been to a small fires and minor incidents.

"I hope to get another fire season out of me. It's business as usual," he said.

The brigade congratulated Mr Cameron, stating he had "led the brigade forward, overcoming many hurdles and obstacles to get the brigade where it is today.

"Ed carries an extensive wealth of knowledge and passes his wealth onto brigade members, leading them safely through many fires by hands on education," a statement from the brigade said.

"He has seen many fires, including being one of the first responders to the 2013 Windsor Downs fires.

"He is well known not only in the Hawkesbury, but across the Rural Fire service, becoming a friend and a mate to many with his daring jokes, laughter with a snort and loyalty.

"We thank you Ed, for the firefighter you have made us and the brigade member you have coached us to be."