Fire and Rescue NSW is the only non-military group sanctioned by the RSL to march as a contingent on ANZAC Day.
As the FRNSW contingent move off toward the assembly point and contribute to the main ANZAC Day march this year, our thoughts will turn with them to the ANZACs and the many generations since who have seen service for our country all over the world. As these videos tell, there is a story in every step.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Retired Assistant Commissioner and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Dobson has marched with FRNSW ANZAC Day contingent since the 80s and took over coordination of the march in 85 successfully building back up the dwindling participation to the proud numbers of FRNSW's contingent today.
Mark Reilly is honoured to lead the FRNSW contingent as they march on ANZAC Day. Over his long and distinguished dual career, he has seen many similarities between being a soldier and serving the community as a firefighter and has made many connections and friendships spanning both organizations.
At 16 years old Vince enlisted in September of 1941, "just before the Japs raided Pearl Harbour". He is now 87 years old and still performs every year during the ANZAC march as part of the FRNSW marching band.
Davina's family know what it means to serve. She served hersef as a medic for 11 years, her father made a career in the army for 25 years and her grandparents met and married while they were serving in the army at Port Kembla during WWII.
Now 82 years old, Dave has been marching on ANZAC Day for 52 years. He served with the British Army for 5 years, spending some time in Malay. Dave proudly wears his fathers' medals from the Great War and speaks of the great report he formed with the Aussie soldiers during his time in Egypt.
John Hoban was a 20 year career Officer in the Australian Army who served in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea and is a proud member of the FRNSW marching contingent. He has an infallible system of two-up which unfortunately fails him every year.
Graeme relishes the chance to polish his boots, put on his medals and go on display with his fellow firefighters. His grandfather was a Argyle and Southern Highlander who served in the Somme, his father served in the RAN as a Sonar Operator and after 26 years of service Graeme is still an active reserve in the Navy. His family now spans four generations of service as his Nephew recently returned home safely from Afghanistan.
FRNSW Wellbeing Coordinator Mark Dobson says ANZAC Day is about 2 things; respect and remembrance. He sees it as his job, as one who returned unhurt, to remember the fallen or injured and pay his repect to those who have been affected by war.
Steve Apps has been a firey for 31 years, the last 10 years being with the Fire and Investigation Unit. He has served 25 years in the Navy Reserve and as a commercial diver. This year he will wear his grandfather's WWI medals a wool classer turned volunteer solder who found himself in the Light Horse and was injured at the famous Battle of Beersheba.
Ian's father served in Singapore and unfortunately died before seeing Ian graduate as a firefighter. This year Ian will wear his father's medals proudly in memory of him as he marches together with his fellow firefighters.