POMONAL's Bill Rouse described winning an Australian Fire Service Medal as a privilege.
The medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.
Mr Rouse was a career fire-fighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade for 23 years and has been a volunteer firefighter with Pomonal Fire Brigade since 2006.
Mr Rouse said he loved the work he did with both brigades.
"I loved the challenge," he said.
"I was constantly faced with unique challenges and there wasn't an exact instruction book on how to perform each task, so I would decide on the run, using skills I had already learnt.
"Local fire brigades are the essence of fire fighting.
"Everyone chips in and helps out when they can."
said he was honoured to receive the award.
"I feel very privileged. I really enjoy the work I do and feel lucky to have this job," he said.
"I thought there were a lot of people in the community very deserving of this award. It was good to know that someone had thought enough of my work to nominate me."
Mr Rouse said he was nominated by a colleague at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
He became involved with Pomonal Fire Brigade during 2006 when he helped the brigade fight fires at Deep Lead and around Stawell.
Besides firefighting, Mr Rouse is also involved in Stawell unit of the State Emergency Service.
He said he loved living at Pomonal and helped the community where he could.
"Pomonal is a great, close-knit community and everyone is willing to help each other out when needed," he said.
"I love living here."
Mr Rouse will receive his medal later in the year.
Erin McFadden