6 February, 2023
Woodford hero racks up 30 years of service
DESCRIBED by locals as “passionate, proud and a bloody lovely, caring person”, Raymond Williams, who has served for over 30 years in the Woodford Auxiliary Fire Service, is now using his wealth of experience and knowledge to train young cadets.
The Woodford Auxiliary Fire Captain started with the Auxiliary Fire Service in Woodford on March 18 1992 after serving in the SES for two years.
Starting “from scratch” he worked his way up to lieutenant trainer and then captain and is now the local cadet coordinator.
“I just enjoy it,” he said
“I love teaching young people the different services and getting a buzz out of seeing somebody start off from scratch and work their way up over time to become someone or something to the community.”
In addition to his duties as captain and local cadet coordinator, Ray is also a trainer.
“I enjoy training all different people, all different cultures and taking ordinary people and teaching them how to be firefighters.”
A local said that Ray is “dedicated in whatever he is involved, whether it be personal or professional.”
“He deserves, but doesn’t expect recognition,” they said.
Ray, who just celebrated his 60th birthday, has no plans to slow down his service to the community and is looking forward to training a growing number of emergency service cadets this year.
