ELMER Knobel was honoured with a lifetime membership to the Moree State Emergency Service on Friday afternoon.
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Mr Knobel has been with the organisation since its inception in 1955.
He joined the Boolooroo Shire SES unit in 1964 and served as controller for the shire between 1976 and 1981.
When the unit amalgamated with Moree Plains in 1981, Mr Knobel was appointed deputy controller.
He also held this position in 1990, and in 2003 took the role of deputy division controller, where he remained until 2007.
In 2010 Mr Knobel was honoured with a 55-year long service award.
He provided 56 years of active service and gave ongoing assistance during the 2011/2012 flooding.
He continues to have regular discussions with the local SES.
Acting deputy commissioner, Mark Morrow, was on-hand Friday to present Mr Knobel with his badge.
“This is recognition for your lengthy and continued service to the organisation and this community,” Mr Morrow said.
“People like you are very far and few between,” he said.
Despite all his achievements, Mr Knobel prefers to be a “back seat driver”.
He said it was a shock to receive the honour.
“I feel very humbled,” he said.
