Rod’s employer, Michael Broekman of Namoi Valley Bricks looks upon his involvement with the fire and rescue service as a great contribution towards the community.

Mr Broekman himself was once a retained firefighter alongside employee Rod and knows the benefits the service can bring to a business.

“I was a retained firefighter for 20 years and understand the importance of people being available to answer distress calls,” he said.

“You need to allow your staff the flexibility to meet the needs of the emergency services – it’s hugely important for the safety of the community.

“We have a strong working relationship between the business and our employees, which has allowed us to develop a system to allow flexibility for Rod.

“If I had more time, I would re-join the station myself, it was something I really loved to do and it’s a great organisation to be involved with.”

Mr Broekman said he would encourage other businesses to allow their staff to get involved in any of the emergency services.

“All of Gunnedah’s emergency services put in so much effort, so we need to let our staff meet the emergency needs,” he said.

“The skills they develop are beneficial towards the business, such as first aid and emergency response planning – they can come in handy.

“They are skills for life,” Mr Broekman said.

Rod says the comraderie from the station and the support from his workplace  go along way in helping him serve the community.

“If i’m going to be at an emergency for a long period of time, I just let work know and they are very supportive,” Rod said.

“Obviously not all call-outs are during work hours but it doesn’t effect my lifestyle because I love doing it.

“We are great mates outside of the station as well and help each other out,” he said.