A tribute event in Belrose recognised the retirement of NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector George Sheppard, marking the end of his decades-long service.
Long-Standing Service Recognised
A large gathering of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and staff assembled at the Belrose Hotel to honour Inspector George Sheppard’s retirement from paid service. The event, held on Saturday, 5 July, brought together around 100 attendees, including senior members of local brigades and the RFS leadership.
Inspector Sheppard began his involvement with the RFS as a volunteer 48 years ago, later transitioning into a staff role 22 years ago. His dedication to both operational response and training was noted by peers and colleagues.
Photo Credit: Pexels
A Career Spanning Decades
Inspector Sheppard first joined the former bushfire brigades at the age of 15. In 1994, he was awarded Life Membership of the Tumbledown Dick Brigade. His career saw significant involvement in fire response and training initiatives, notably contributing to the development of the chainsaw course and the Community Fire Unit (CFU) program.
The Northern Beaches CFU program, regarded by local leadership as one of the most effective in the state, was among the programs where Inspector Sheppard’s influence was considered instrumental. He also played a key role during the 2019–2020 bushfire season, supporting both staff operations and volunteer coordination.
Returning to Volunteer Roots
Although retiring from his formal role, Inspector Sheppard confirmed his plans to return as a volunteer with the Tumbledown Dick Brigade. Speaking at the event, he said his passion remains with community engagement and volunteer support, noting that these aspects were central to his decisions throughout his career.
He also shared that his transition to paid service came at a time when balancing work and volunteering became challenging, particularly with a growing family. However, his focus stayed on ensuring strong volunteer involvement within the District.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Ongoing Community Contribution
Attendees at the Belrose tribute included long-serving members of the Northern Beaches District, with recognition given to Inspector Sheppard’s consistent support for volunteer development and district-wide initiatives. The presence of senior figures, including NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Viki Campbell, reflected the significance of his contributions.
With plans to remain active in training and local brigade efforts, Inspector Sheppard’s involvement with the RFS is set to continue, now returning to the volunteer ranks where he first began.
Published 13-July-2025
