Ewen Jones: Retired Narromine firey captain receives state recognition for his community contribution

A former Narromine fire service captain, who served more than three decades on the front line, has been recognised for his generosity to the community. Here’s the latest.

A recently-retired Central West fire service captain has been recognised for his “incredible service” after more than three decades on the job.

Retired Fire and Rescue NSW captain Ewen Jones has been acknowledged by Member for Dubbo electorate Duglad Saunders in the NSW parliament for serving the station for more than three decades.

Mr Jones hung up his helmet from Station 401 Narromine on September 1, after almost 32 years of service.

Earlier this year, Mr Jones’ daughter Skye followed in his footsteps to join the station and ultimately became the first father and daughter duo in FRNSW.

While working with his daughter has been a highlight in his career, Mr Jones shared he has always been “passionate” about educating the public, especially children and elderly about fire danger.

Skye and Ewen Jones at the Narromine Station 401.

“You can never go back to get your phone or favourite toy or whatever, if you left it there bad luck, you can always buy another one, but you can’t buy another you – that’s always been a strong message of mine,” he said.

Mr Jones said that while he has had a lot of remarkable moments in his career, he said a strong factor to his retirement was the growing number of fatalities he has had to witness.

“In small country towns you have ambulance services, but they’re often stressed, in Dubbo or too busy and we back them up so we get quite a few ambulance assist calls,” he said.

“In September last year we got a call of a nine-year-old girl who was having a cardiac arrest, and she didn’t make it … that one hit home.

Skye and Ewen Jones at Narromine Fire Station 401.

“Especially this time of year when people have their Christmas decorations up, but their loved ones are deceased.

“With years of responding to motor vehicle accidents, fires, people being burnt and stuff like that, it kind of catches up to you.

“The fire brigade are very good with counselling, but you can’t unsee stuff once you’ve been exposed to it.”

He understands people are inquisitive by nature, but he encourages firefighters to not get close if they do not have to.

Along with his contributions to the Narromine fire service, Mr Jones has been a member for the now defunct Apex Club for 24 years and is currently a councillor for the Narromine Shire Council.