Since joining Crookwell Rural Fire Brigade in 1997, Deputy Captain Norman Fountain has and continues to provide outstanding service to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

His service is well above that normally expected, giving up a significant amount of his personal time, and showing a willingness to take on any additional responsibilities that will assist his Brigade, the Southern Tablelands Zone and the NSW RFS with daily operations.

He supports fireground logistics through welfare provision, transport of fuel and resource deliveries.

Since successfully obtaining Aviation Basic Knowledge and Air Base Operator qualifications, Deputy Captain Fountain has been involved in airbase operations at several major incidents.

His work in running air bases, servicing aircraft with fire retardants, and supporting aircraft radio communications has greatly benefited firefighting campaigns.

Through Deputy Captain Fountain’s service, many Southern Tablelands Zone communities have increased fire preparedness and resilience.

He has facilitated a wide range of community engagement activities, including property visits, open days and brigade involvement in local festivals and field days.

He has also served in community engagement activities for non-fire emergencies, such as task forces sent to Shoalhaven after severe storms in 2010 and Wagga Wagga in 2012 following flooding.

Deputy Captain Fountain has also taken on a mentoring role, leading the future generation of firefighters through training courses and the secondary school Cadets programs. Serving as the District Coordinator for training, Mr Fountain has taught a range of courses from bush firefighter up to crew leader, increasing the skill sets of members across the district.

Since 2008 Deputy Captain Fountain has also coordinated and facilitated at least 15 cadet programs in three high schools, Crookwell Yass and Goulburn with students joining local brigades as a result.

The Service has greatly benefited from his contribution across fireground activities, community engagement and training.

Deputy Captain Norman Fountain is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

He said “I may be the recipient of this award but I feel the award should also be enjoyed by the many fire volunteers.

“The award belongs to my family first and foremost.  

“Their support for me in this position has been overwhelming.

“The award is also for the local brigade and for the zone volunteers as they have all helped me along the way.”

“I’d especially like to thank Mr Ian Kennerly, Operations Manager for the Zone and Peter Dyce, Community Safety Officer in charge of all the cadet programs plus Peter Alley, Zone Manager from Yass.

“I also want to thank Treacy and Simon for their help with the local cadets program we run with the three High Schools each year,” Mr Fountain said.

Graham Schofield in Sutton nominated Norman for the award and he assists with the Goulburn and Yass cadets.

Norman is also involved with the Crookwell Lions Club being a committee member since 2001.

He is also secretary and public officer and on the Australia Day committee.

Tragedy struck his family back in 1997 when their son was killed in a vehicle accident.

The Crookwell community rallied behind the family so much Norm vowed he had to give something back to the community to repay all the support they had received.

At the time they had only resided here for two years so he felt this was a way of paying back to the community.

“I wish to thank everyone who has helped both my family and myself in the past,” he concluded.

Note: Norman’s award was for “Service of a meritorious nature, or for outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or for exemplary performance of a specific difficult project or task, not involving bravery.”