He and wife Jenny travelled to Sydney to be part of the statewide awards ceremony, held on May 4.
“Each year we gather on May 4 to mark International Firefighters’ Day,” Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said.
“This day acknowledges St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, and give us opportunity to recognise the courageous, selfless and skilful work of our people.”
More than 400 senior members of the organisation and family members were in attendance to witness 80 firefighters and administration staff receive awards of various categories.
Mr Thompson was presented with a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – Fourth Clasp (Gold) on the day for 50 years of service at the Finley station.
During those 50 years Mr Thompson was deputy captain for 40 years, and has been involved in numerous house fires, motor vehicle (car and heavy vehicle) incidents and also turning out to help in callouts in Deniliquin, Tocumwal, Berrigan and Jerilderie.
Significant fire events during his tenure include the Albion Hotel fire, Finley Tyre Service and the stock feed complex which burnt for about a week.
Mr Thompson also vividly remembers attending after a crop duster plane hit power lines near Plumpton’s Rd.
But he also recalls the community side of the job fondly.
“One of the most rewarding jobs in the brigade was the smoke detector programme, where we would visit the homes of the elderly and supply and install smoke detectors,” he said.
“The crew I have worked with over the many years at Finley were a fantastic bunch of guys to work with.
“We were retained firefighters who were professionally trained to serve the community with excellence and confidence to get the job done safely.
“If there’s anyone out there willing to help their community, please feel free to contact Finley Captain Lawrence Walsh for a rewarding part time job.”
Mr Thompson thanks his family for being so supportive of his decision to serve as a firefighters for five decades.
“I was extremely pleased to see my wife, Jenny, presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers at the ceremony in Sydney,” he said.
“I could not have had such a rewarding time with Fire + Rescue without her support over the years.”
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