Emma Pritchard
It was several years ago when John Crean saw flyers advertising for new members to join the Ulmarra Rural Fire Service (RFS) throughout the village where he lived.
Realising they had not been distributed outside the riverside community, he went to the local RFS headquarters to inform them, and after signing a couple of papers, he was officially welcomed as the newest member of the brigade.
Fast forward to 2023, and he has become a highly valued and respected member, and current Captain of the Ulmarra RFS.
And on January 24, he was presented with a Certificate of Life Membership by the Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke in recognition of his outstanding community service and leadership skills, and his generosity in mentoring the brigade’s newest recruits.
Since 2015, the Ulmarra RFS has grown from a small team of four to 24 members, with many crediting their captain for his dedicated work ethic and community spirit as the motivation behind their decision to join.
As he held his certificate in his hands, Captain Crean reflected on the many incidents and life-threatening situations he has experienced during his time with the Ulmarra RFS, including the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires which devastated large areas of the Clarence Valley, and gratefully acknowledged the support of his family, and the tremendous efforts of his teammates who bravely work alongside him when their community is in need.
“We’re a really close-knit group of people from all walks of life, and to stand here alongside them, it makes me feel very proud,” he said.
“Getting Life Membership was a shock, and a big surprise, but I feel very humble and very thankful for all the support I’ve received.”
During the ceremony, his loving wife Chris Crean was presented with an honorary member recognition certificate in acknowledgement of her ongoing support of her husband.
Captain Crean has held his current position since 2017, and has previously been the Senior Deputy Captain, President, and Permit Officer for the Ulmarra RFS.
Deputy Captain and President of the Ulmarra RFS Reece Scown said Captain Crean has been crucial in rebuilding the brigade to what it is today.
“John is very community focused to the point where he will neglect his own property and himself to help the community, which is a great trait to have in a captain,” he said.
“He is an integral part of the Ulmarra RFS.
“It’s great to see you receive your life membership.”