Volunteer firey John Lemon recognised with South West Regional Volunteer of the Year award

The firefighter has been honoured for his service and outstanding commitment to the brigade, which includes fighting the devastating Stanthorpe bushfires.

John Lemon from the Glen Aplin Rural Fire Brigade is the South West Regional Volunteer of the Year award winner. Photo: QFES

A Granite Belt firefighter has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the region’s fire brigade, assisting to control recent bushfires in Stanthorpe and Ballandean.

Senior firefighter John Lemon was awarded the South West Regional Volunteer of the Year award as part of the Rural Fire Service Week, which runs until August 7.

Mr Lemon said he was privileged and overwhelmed to be picked for the award, telling the Border Post it was his biggest accomplishment to date.

Mr Lemon is a tradie by day, and has been dedicating his free time to volunteering at the Glen Aplin Rural Fire Brigade since 2006.

“I am fortunate enough that I can help out, but I do it because I enjoy it,” he said.

Mr Lemon was one of the firefighters helping to fight last years’ devastating bushfires in Stanthorpe and said he was grateful to be able to take some of that responsibility for his community.

“It’s good to be out with other blokes and achieving a common goal of keeping the community safe,” he said.

Mr Lemon volunteers his time to train junior female firefighters through hazard reduction burn exercises. 

“I try to do as much as I can at the brigade,” he said.

The 35-year-old said he was glad to set a positive example for his three young children, showing them how to be a valued member of the community.

Mr Lemon continues to upskill himself with firefighting knowledge, recently completing an advanced firefighting course.

Through his learnings and experience Mr Lemon said his goal is to teach young and up-and-coming firefighters how to look after fire correctly and safely and not be afraid of it.