Brigade members Andy Wills, Neville Karger, Alan Sharpe and Captain Mick Rose each received long-service awards, bestowed upon them by the visiting Minister and Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) regional director Grant Olson.

Mr Wills was presented with the National Medal – a Federal award recognising long and diligent service by members of recognised organisations that help the community during times of crisis.

Mr Wills has served 13 years with the Esperance Fire and Rescue Service, and before that was enrolled with the Navy for 10 years.

“I appreciate the hard work that volunteers do, and it’s nice to be appreciated,” he said.

Mr Karger was awarded with the FESA 15 Year Service Medal, while Mick Rose and Alan Sharpe were awarded with 10 Year Service Medals.

Coincidentally, Mr Wills, Mr Sharpe and Mr Karger all became friends while serving together in the Navy.

Returning to Esperance after 10 years in the Navy, Mr Karger was the first to become involved with the Fire and Rescue Service.

“I returned to Esperance and I became involved with the fire brigade running team. Through that I became interested with the fire fighting side of things,” Mr Karger said.

“I enjoy putting something back into the community, and it’s also an avenue to interact with like-minded people who have an interest in Emergency Services.”

When Mr Wills moved to Esperance 14 years ago, he joined Mr Karger in the brigade.

“I enjoy the training aspect of it and the community service. I have some skills that would have otherwise just gone by-the-by,” Mr Wills said.

Between the two of them, Mr Wills and Mr Karger have dealt with hundreds of emergency situations over the years, including bushfires, vehicle accidents, animal rescues, plane crashes and other rescue operations.

“The unfortunate side of it is we are often involved with serious and fatal accidents,” Mr Karger said.