With over 50 years of experience, Kim Stevens would have enjoyed many proud moments as a NSW SES volunteer.
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But this week the retiring veteran experienced one he'll hold dear for a long time.
One of the NSW SES's longest standing volunteers and a pillar in the Orange community, Mr Stevens stood down from his role as commander and handed the reigns to his son, Robert.
After 51 years of service to the NSW SES, 19 as the Orange City Commander and tirelessly helping others, it's time for Mr Stevens to focus on himself and what is now an ongoing battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
"Handing the baton over to Robert is a proud moment for me," Mr Stevens said.
"He spent many years putting up with his Dad being in the service. I'm proud of the immense amount of knowledge that he has gained."
Kim's interest in the NSW SES started at an early age when as a teenager in Lismore, and that community-first mentality has been passed down through the Stevens genes.
His passion for the NSW SES came from his father, while Mr Stevens has also passed his passion for helping his local community onto his son Robert, who recalls spending time at the Orange unit from the age of two.
His wisdom and expertise as a volunteer of the service is second to none.
- NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Operations, Greg Newton on retiring Kim Stevens
Mr Stevens' grandson, Luke, is also eyeing off a role as an SES volunteer one day, too.
"My Dad is always the first to help someone and always gives his time to others, that's what has made him such a great Unit Commander for so long," Robert said.
"He is an eloquent guy that commands the room with his presence as soon as he walks in. This is by no means a retirement from the NSW SES for Dad. He will be an active NSW SES member to the day he dies. The effects of MND are starting to take its toll on Dad and it's time that he looks after himself."
As part of the incident management side of the service, Mr Stevens was involved in one of the early large storms in Orange with 150 jobs over three days.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Operations, Greg Newton, thanked Mr Stevens for his dedication to the job and the local community as his time as the Orange City Unit Commander.
"Kim's service ... over the last 50 years is a testament to his passion for the NSW SES," Mr Newton said.
"His wisdom and expertise as a volunteer of the service is second to none."
Mr Stevens' experience in emergency management is also highly regarded by his peers in other emergency agencies, where he has assisted the NSW Police Force with searches both local and abroad, on land and water.
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