THEY remember when the Courtauld factory at Tomago went up in flames and when a gas cylinder exploded in Raymond Terrace, and now after a combined total of more than 50 years' work, the captain and deputy captain of the Raymond Terrace Fire Brigade are hanging up their hats.
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Retired captain Dave Davies served as a retained firefighter for more than 30 years and told the Examiner some health issues had persuaded him it was time to go.
Meanwhile, retired deputy captain Doug Foley, who also has another job at Orica, said he knew he was ready.
It is the end of an era for the brigade according to newly-appointed captain Dennis Peters, who said the pair took with them a wealth of experience and knowledge and would be missed.
When asked what the best part of their job was, both men said the community.
"The community has a great deal of respect for us and we have always had the continued support of the community. It's been a pleasure to serve the community for all these years," Mr Davies said.
Despite the emergency phone calls at all hours of the night and not being able to leave the area when on call, the pair would not have had it any other way and thanked their families for their continued support.