This weekend sees the end of a long era at the Candelo Rural Fire Service.
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Harmen Kampman AFSM has been captain of the volunteer brigade since 1975, but at Saturday's AGM he will step down from the role.
However, he's not leaving the brigade in which he's been involved for the past 59 years. The decision is just due to upcoming surgery on his knee and back taking him out of action for a while.
"It's been an enjoyable time - there are good times and bad that we've shared, but I've had a tremendous time here," Mr Kampman said.
Mr Kampman said the most enjoyable part of his role is seeing plenty of young people coming up through the ranks - some of whom may be throwing their helmet in the ring for the top job come Saturday.
"To see what they're all achieving is so pleasing. We have a good lot of young ones coming through and we're a pretty active brigade.
"We're doing hazard reductions, ag burns nearly every weekend at the moment and a lot of the cadets are coming out to get hands-on training.
"That's what it's all about."
When asked what stands out in his memory of a long history in community firefighting, Mr Kampman recalls a call-out to a fire on Myrtle Mountain Rd.
"When we got out there, there was a lady with a bucket and a mop beating back this fire - and she was getting on top of it," he said with a chuckle.
"You see something different every time.
"And it's not all about fighting fires," he added, saying the RFS is also tasked with responding to motor vehicle crashes, storm and flood damage - and at one stage being sent to Sydney with John Cullen to help patch roofs after a hailstorm.
"I'm lucky enough to have been nominated for captain over many years, and it's been a tremendous time."