At the time he was living in Blue Mountains bushland and saw it as necessity.

Four decades later, he is not only a volunteer, but also holds a paid position as learning and development officer for the Hunter Valley area.

According to Mr Cox, the 40-year transformation of the service is nothing short of amazing.

“The change has been quite incredible,” he told the Chronicle.

“It’s hard to describe how the RFS has changed from a small organisation that’s involved in the local community to the world-famous, largest volunteer organisation in the world.

“In 40 years, I never thought I’d see such a radical change.

“The biggest thing is equipment, logistics and modern communication.

“NSW RFS training is recognised world-wide.

“[In past decades] most of our brigades in the Blue Mountains were using World War II vehicles that were rather ancient.

“We used to be small brigades that would only go to fires.”

These days, RFS members also attend motor vehicle accidents and other incidents.

Mr Cox had been in the RFS 20 years when the 1994 bushfires blazed across NSW.

He regards those fires as pivotal for him as an individual member, as well as for the service as a whole.

“The state experienced more than 850 bush fires in that month of January,” he said.

“I’d never seen anything like it.

“It was as if the whole world was on fire.

“It showed there were huge changes to be made, and the government and community responded.”

It was also around the time Mr Cox took up the opportunity to start a career in the RFS rather than solely working as a volunteer.

The firefighter said there was incredible support and camaraderie within the RFS.

“The best thing about the RFS is the huge range of people I’ve met in the community and worked with,” he said.

“There’s a single point of unity in the RFS.

“We all do what we do because we’re part of the community.”

Inspector Cox said from communications to catering to firefighting, the volunteers were the best thing about the service.

His advice to those considering joining is to simply try it out.

“I have made some very good friends in the RFS,” he said.

“Turn up to your local brigade, investigate the possibility and give it a go.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and it’s up to you how much you commit.

“It’s the great Australian [custom] of looking out for oneself and your neighbours.”