Jamie Seib, a volunteer firefighter from Borroloola, has been awarded Australian Fire Service Medal

Jamie Seib did not always want to become a firefighter; first he was an apprentice in the NT, then a tradesman in New South Wales – and now, years later, he is set to be awarded with the nation’s highest fire service honour.

Borroloola firefighter Jamie Seib has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his commitment to the service. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jamie Seib did not always want to become a firefighter; first he was an apprentice in the Northern Territory, then a tradesman in New South Wales – and now, years later, he is set to be awarded with the nation’s highest fire service honour.

“After a few years of interstate travel, I returned to Borroloola”, Mr Seib, who became a volunteer with the Borroloola Fire and Emergency Response Group (FERG) in 2018, said.

“I didn’t have a stable job, so I thought I might as well become a firefighter.”

Mr Seib said he was stoked, but shocked, to be receiving the medal. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Seib now finds himself as a recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal – an award that recognises service members who have gone above and beyond their roles to serve the community.

More broadly, the award is part of this year’s Australia Day honours system, which recognises the contributions of Australians from all walks of life.

Mr Seib was appointed captain of FERG in 2019 and has played a key role in strengthening the team by recruiting and training a number of new volunteers.

He also coordinated power restoration to Borroloola and operated the NT Fire and Rescue flood boat during Cyclone Megan in 2024, helping residents from rising floodwaters.

The Australian Fire Service Medal was first introduced in 1988. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Seib, who grew up in the small town of Borroloola before moving to Katherine for high school, said family meant everything to him.

“I grew up in this town, and a lot of the people I went to school with are now like family; people call me brother, uncle, all that sort of stuff”, he said.

“This town is my family and I’ll do whatever it takes to look after it.”

He said it was an honour to receive the medal.

Mr Seib encouraged others to put their hands up and volunteer: “Anyone can do it.” Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“By accepting this, I feel like it shows that someone from a small, remote community, a volunteer, can make a big impact”, he said.

“It shows you don’t have to be from a big city to make a difference and do something important.

Helping people was the most rewarding part of the service, Mr Seib said.

“Whether I’m out in the rescue boat ferrying people back and forth, seeing the elderly who need assistance or responding to a car accident, it’s all about meeting and helping people”, he said.

“Then, maybe years later, you run into someone you helped and they remember you and thank you.

“That’s what makes it worth it.”

Originally published as Jamie Seib, a volunteer firefighter from Borroloola, has been awarded Australian Fire Service Medal