PETER Ryan marked a milestone in May: 55 years as a retained firefighter with the Oberon Fire Brigade.
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Mr Ryan signed up to become a firefighter on May 15, 1964 when he was just 16.
His father, Ted Ryan, was a fireman who had been with the Oberon Fire Brigade since it was formed in 1957 and young Peter wanted to follow in his footsteps in order to be of service to the Oberon community.
But there was one small problem.
Mr Ryan said when he went along for his interview with the brigade captain and inspector, he was told that he was too young. The brigade could not accept anyone under 18 years of age.
One of them said Mr Ryan looked like he was 18 and the other agreed, so his age was recorded as 18.
(This was amended later when he was actually 18.)
Mr Ryan has attended several major fires over the years, including a fatal house fire in 1967; the RSL Club fire in 1969; a bakery fire in the 1970s; the Leagues Club in the 1980s; the heat plant fire at the MDF factory in the 1990s and the moulding shop fire at Highland Pine in 2013.
He has also attended numerous house fires and motor vehicle accidents, including cases where goods were being trucked to or from the factories.
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Mr Ryan said he has seen a lot of changes in his 55 years, ranging from the protective clothing worn by firefighters to the equipment they use.
When he joined in 1964, the brigade was in the process of changing from brass helmets to a hard hat with extra protection at the back.
The familiar black coats and trousers with a belt and axe remained until the 1990s, when they started to change the whole firefighting uniform.
Mr Ryan has been the engine keeper with Oberon Fire Brigade for 40 years.
He took over the responsibility of making sure the engines were well-maintained and in running order from his father when he retired from the brigade in 1979.
"Over the years, there has also been a big change in the fire engines used," Mr Ryan said.
"The first one stationed at Oberon was a Garford, with no windscreen or brakes on the front wheels.
"Today's fire engine is an Isuzu, one of the most modern in the state, and has been stationed at Oberon since 2006."
Mr Ryan said firefighting techniques have also changed over the years.
Some of the biggest changes have been the introduction of breathing apparatus, new equipment, clothing and training.
"When I first started, breathing apparatus hadn't been thought of, but of course a lot of the fires are more toxic now," Mr Ryan said.
"Also, originally the role of the brigade was to fight fires.
"Now, as the name change NSW Fire and Rescue indicates, we attend fires, motor vehicle accidents, other rescue situations, fuel spillages and chemical spillages, assist with traffic control and assist ambulance officers."
He said he still loves being part of Oberon Fire Brigade and he is well-supported by the younger members.
Mr Ryan has also been a member of the Mayfield Rural Fire Service Brigade.