The call of duty was strong throughout 25 years, but now it is the turn of a younger generation, a retiring Milton fire brigade volunteer says.
Roger Weatherall will finish as a volunteer with the brigade at the end of the month because of health reasons.
He only recently finished up as a volunteer with St John.
Like many volunteers in smaller communities, he did not view his service as anything particularly special, Mr Weatherall said.
"It's just something people do in a small town.''
He started as a volunteer because he "couldn't ignore the siren''.
Though the Milton Fire Brigade was not struggling for numbers, he urged the younger generation to get involved.
"Anything anyone does for the community has to be a good thing.''
The younger generation expected to be able to dial for help and someone would be there, but without more people getting involved that was unlikely always to be the case, he said.
The fire brigade had much to offer in terms of team-building and support as well as discipline, he said.
He had helped deal with many distressing situations over the years, but there also had been upsides, he said.
"It certainly helps you appreciate your life and how people's lives can actually change in a split second.''
Milton Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Robbie Philips said Mr Weatherall was a reliable member, who also did much work behind the scenes at the station.
The community was lucky to have had the benefit of Mr Weatherall's service, he said.
Mr Weatherall received his Gold Star last week, recognising 25 years of service with the brigade.
