On Monday, Allan was one of 11 people in NSW to receive an Australian Fire Service Medal for dedication to fighting blazes and protecting the Yass community with distinction and pride.

While he admits the honour is a nice accolade, the real prize is working with friends in a team environment and providing a necessary service to the town he loves.

In the early days, serving on the brigade was a family tradition. In his first year with the NSW Fire Brigade, Allan was shown the ropes by his father Norm, who served for 33 years, and his grandfather Charlie, who spent 42 years on the job.

The trio featured in the summer of ’69 edition of the industry magazine, ‘Fire News’. Allan still keeps a copy of the 26 page journal and occasionally looks to page 21 for memories of the early days on the brigade.

The fire service has evolved significantly since the 60s. “Equipment has changed and communication has changed,” he said. “In those days, we had no radios and no communication with other crews. There was no breathing apparatus. The call out system used to go out to the houses and the wives used to call us all in. Calls now go to central communications,” he said.

Allan fondly recalls the days of bi-annual firefighting competitions between brigades from across the state. The Yass troupe reigned supreme in 1978 and ’84, two years Allan holds dear to his heart.

When close pal and fellow recipient of an Australian Fire Service Medal, Neil Brooker, retired in 2001, the responsibility of the Yass Fire Brigade fell onto the shoulders of a waiting Allan.

Fires of international magnitude, regional disaster and local turmoil have struck during his nine year tenure as skipper of the firefighting team.

In January 2003, bushfires ravaged the national capital and surrounding areas. In the early weeks of 2007, the Yass community was left counting its losses when the town’s major high care nursing home, Horton House, was gutted inside and out by fire.