Cootamundra Fire Station Captain Les Carr has marked an incredible 22 years in the job recently, an amazing feat for a Coota legend.
For more than two decades, Les has led from the front, guiding the crew through emergencies, supporting the community, and mentoring countless firefighters along the way. He was even recognised by Fire and Rescue NSW Area Command for his efforts.
They said, “Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to keeping Cootamundra safe is nothing short of inspiring. From the entire Regional South 2 team: thank you for your outstanding service and leadership.”
Les Carr himself spoke to the Cootamundra Times, talking about his time with the Fire Station. “I’ve spent my time training the recruits that come through. Helping the community out a lot,” he said. “I’ve just clocked over 44 years in that station. Twenty-two years as Captain, though.
“The biggest change we’ve just had is the upgrade of the station. It’s user-friendly now where it wasn’t before. It’s got more room. We’ve got females in the brigade now. We have two females at the moment. Another two have applied.
“The equipment has changed. A lot of the equipment is a lot better than what we were using before. When I first started, we never had a breathing apparatus. We now use breathing apparatus all the time at fires. Working under the old system, the old International trucks, where we’ve now got up to date purposely built fire trucks to do the job. Training is a lot better now than what it was. We used to train on the job. Now we go away and be trained.
“I have got to thank the crew that were in when I originally joined. We were under the leadership of John Simpfendorfer.
“I just want to thank the crews that we’ve had over the years for their dedication. A lot of them are in and then move on or retire.”
– Jack Murray
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