Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade member Don Tomlinson has been recognised for his decades of service, having spent more than half a century protecting rural communities.

The 80-year-old has been involved in fire brigades since 1970 and has served across several communities throughout the Great Southern.

He was recognised with a plaque which was presented by the Minister for Emergency Services Reece Whitby in Albany on Tuesday.

While his recent recognition marked 36 years of service, Mr Tomlinson said his involvement with firefighting stretched back much further.

“I have been honoured for 36 years but that’s not quite correct, as I’ve been an office bearer since 1970,” he said.

Mr Tomlinson was captain of the Nannup Brigade from 1970 for many years before moving to Bremer Bay and the Shire of Jerramungup where he continued his involvement while farming.

When he retired in 2009, he moved to the Kalgan area and joined the local brigade, continuing his commitment that had become a major part of his life.

“When your a farmer you’re automatically a firefighter because you are protecting your business,” he said.

“I’ve always been involved with it.

“This is still quite a rural area and you’ve got to try and do your bit to protect yourself and everybody else.”

After years of service, Mr Tomlinson has now decided to take a step back from active fire fighting and said his age was the main reason behind the decision.

“The only reason I’ve given up is because I’m 80 now and I don’t think I should be on the fire truck,” he said.

While fighting fires may be the most visible part of the role Mr Tomlinson there is much more to being a volunteer firefighter.

“It can be a bit tedious and a bit boring sometimes, especially when we are dragging hoses,” he said.

“The exciting part is chasing the fire but that’s only part of the work.

“Most of the work is afterwards cleaning up and making sure its safe.

“You’ve got to like it.”

Mr Tomlinson said the friendships built through the service have been just as important as the firefighting itself.

“All the comradeship with all the friends is why you fire fight,” he said.

“It’s a social event and this is a club in a way of fire fighters.”