Firies from Tamworth, Narrabri, Walcha and Barraba got together at their Tamworth Showground work shed to enjoy a barbecue and each other’s company.

Fire & Rescue NSW zone superintendent Tom Cooper said it was part of the service’s efforts to “keep the old blokes involved” even after their working years were over.

He said FRNSW and the NSW Fire Brigades Retirees Association worked to ensure people were not simply cut loose when they left the service.

Given they had once served in a stressful job, it was important to “keep an eye on” their mental and physical health.

And there was also the importance of their knowledge and stories being retained and passed down to younger firefighters.

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“We hope the reunion will become an annual event,” Superintendent Cooper said.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson also attended the reunion, and told the men the NSW government and the communities he represented were grateful for their service.

“You are the ones who run in when we are running out, and we thank you for that.”