RFS captain Robyn Reynolds honoured with Australian Fire Service Medal

When Robyn "Drill Sergeant" Reynolds of Pambula received an email alerting her of the nomination, she thought it was a "scam".

"I was sitting on my computer doing bookwork at 5 o'clock in the morning and read it, then forgot about it until my husband Peter got up," she recalled.

"I said, 'Have a look at this for a scam; they're getting real personal now'.

"He said, 'No, that's not a scam'.

"I went on to the official website, and it all sounded legitimate."

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Her unwavering commitment to the Pambula RFS brigade and the community, marked by her extensive service in key roles that significantly contributed to the brigade's effectiveness and resilience, highlighted why Robyn deserved the special recognition.

Whether it's been her leadership, professionalism and operational skill in health and safety, training, first aid and permits, or her previous roles as the secretary, treasurer, deputy captain, senior deputy captain, or current role as captain, Robyn's integrity had kept the brigade to a high standard.

She said one of her favourite roles within the volunteer-based emergency service had been training recruits to the stage crew members were confident in their ability to serve the community.

"I think the training is one of my big highlights, apart from being captain," Robyn said.

"I've been training for quite some years, probably about 15, and now seeing those people on the fireground doing all the things they should be doing safely, and giving them the confidence to do this properly, has been a highlight."

Robyn has also made a broader contribution as a Far South Coast Training Advisory Group member, helping shape training policies to improve the overall training framework among the RFS.

During the Black Summer bushfires, Robyn held the role of captain of the Pambula RFS brigade and said they were able to take away a lot of information from those fire events.

"As much hurt as everything else was, the way people pulled together afterwards was absolutely brilliant," the 61-year-old recalled.

"I think the way people came together afterwards stands out to me as the greatest thing that came from [the fires]."

On Sunday, January 26, Australia Day, Robyn planned to celebrate the AFSM with her family, as the day coincided with her 40^th wedding anniversary.

"It's going to be a double banger as we're all getting together with the family for a picnic, and they don't know about it yet," she said.

"It's been the hardest secret I have ever had to keep.

"[But] I'm not in it for the medal, I'm in the [Rural Fire Service] because I love it."