Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:46):  Speaker, Deputy Captain Ian Stevenson from the Branxton Fire and Rescue Station 237, joined the NSW Fire Brigades on the first of June 1984.  Ian has served as a Volunteer, then a Retained Firefighter until he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Captain in 2013.

Not only has Ian helped protect our local community, he has protected New South Wales and Australia for the past 38 years from major fires, floods, traumatic structure fires and motor vehicle accidents, whilst also being a vital team member and volunteer community first responder on behalf of the New South Wales Ambulance.

Ian was awarded the Merit Certificate from NSW Police Force for his efforts and duties performed at a horrific accident in 1993, a Commendation for Meritorious Service in the storms of 2007 and a Commendation for Meritorious Service from a tragic house fire in Singleton in 2019.

His departure from Fire and Rescue NSW be a major loss to our community, and a major loss to the very close nit family at Branxton Fire Station.  Ian is not only a true leader, but to many he has been a mentor, a best friend and father figure to so many.

His continued involvement, witty humour and appreciations will be sadly missed but always welcomed. Thank you for your service, Ian, enjoy some down time buddy.