It’s time to crack out the cake for Gunnedah's Daniel Poss.
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The local firefighter and engine keeper is celebrating 15 years with Fire and Rescue NSW after first signing up in Uralla at the age of 18.
“As soon as I could join, I did,” Daniel said.
“I was inspired by my uncle; he used to be a firie. I saw him as a young bloke, kicking around the fire station.
“We used to have a fair bit to do with [Fire and Rescue] family-wise as well … They used to always invite us to Christmas parties and that sort of thing.”
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Daniel has strong memories of answering early morning call-outs, driving to the station with his head out the car window because of the ice on his windshield.
“Up there you get whopping frosts. I’m talking anything from minus three to minus 11,” he said.
After six years, Daniel took on the role of engine keeper because he “grew up around machinery”.
Twelve months later, in 2012, he moved to Gunnedah and joined the local brigade.
An engine keeper was already in place, so Daniel concentrated solely on firefighter duties. When Mark Sawyer left the brigade last year, Daniel took up the role once again and relishes the responsibility of maintaining the station’s two fire trucks.
“It’s nice to see your trucks roll out nice and clean, and make sure they’re safe for the guys to go to work in,” he said.
Daniel said a highlight of his time in the brigade was last year’s Regional Fire and Rescue Championships in Gunnedah.
“I liked how we all came together and worked as a team,” he said.
The firefighters has no plans to leave the brigade any time soon and hopes to take on more responsibility in the near future.
“I just love the job. I enjoy it,” he said.
“I love the people – they’re good to work with – and serving the community.
“I like the whole kit and caboodle, and passing on knowledge to the younger recruits.”
Daniel said he was thankful to his employers and family for supporting his commitment to Fire and Rescue over the years.
“I’m thankful to my wife and kids for putting up with us being away a bit and missing important dinners and functions, and everyone I’ve worked with over the years,” he said.
