Phillip Baer recognised as RFSA Life Member

IMAGE: Group Captain Phillip Baer, APM, AFSM, Superintendent Andrew Dillon, Group Captain Peter Holding, AFSM and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke last May.
IMAGE: Group Captain Phillip Baer, APM, AFSM, Superintendent Andrew Dillon, Group Captain Peter Holding, AFSM and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke last May.
share

Frogmore Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Phillip Baer APM AFSM has been recognised as a ‘Life Member’ of the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA).

Mr Baer has been a member of the Frogmore Rural Fire Service for over 20 years.

He said his belief in risking life and limb as a volunteer firefighter started in the summer of 1956 when he helped a family threatened by fire.

“My half brother and I rowed across a river to give them a hand. From then I joined the local fire brigade and stayed in that for a few years before I went off into adult employment,” Mr Baer said.

“I’ve had association with fire one way or another all through my life.”

Throughout his life, Mr Baer has worked on oil tankers, as a seaman and police officer.

When he retired from the police force, he felt it was natural to continue the association.

Since 2002 Mr Baer has held various RFSA representative positions including Delegate and later, Chair of the South West Slopes Branch, Division 8 Delegate to the RFSA State Council and NSW RFS/RFSA Consultative Committee representative.

“‘Life Member’ is the highest award the RFSA can bestow, and is presented sparingly to those who have made a significant, quality and sustained contribution towards the growth and success of the RFSA,” said RFSA President Brian McDonough.

“Phillip’s contribution to the RFSA is wide-ranging from his thoughtful input to meetings, to his on-the-ground assistance at events. He represents his fellow volunteers with passion, always seeking a desirable outcome that will be of benefit to all.”

Mr Baer’s fondest memories of his service so far have been born from the camaraderie of the RFS service and the people he works with.

“If everybody could do what they can for the community we’re all a bit better off,” he said.

“I couldn’t think of any better organisation to be involved with.”

Mr Baer’s achievement was announced at a ceremony at RFSA Conference 2021 on June 5.

Stay Connected

    Subscribe
    Get in Contact

Hilltops News to your inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from the Hilltops Area direct to your inbox.

You might also like

CONTACT THE PHOENIX

91 Boorowa Street, Young NSW 2594

Editorial

Phone 0466 399 283

editor@hilltopsphoenix.com.au

Sales

Phone 0413 248 499

sales@hilltopsphoenix.com.au

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

FOLLOW US ON

Hilltops Phoenix FacebookHilltops Phoenix InstagramHilltops Phoenix YoutubeHilltops Google News ChannelHilltops Phoenix Subscribe
About UsJournalistic Ethics and Complaints PolicyConflict ResolutionPrivacy PolicySite MapRSS Feed