One of the longest-serving Unit Commanders in the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has received a personal letter of congratulations from the Royal Family marking his retirement after more than 40 years of service.
Peter Kaye AM ESM has led the Ashfield-Leichhardt Unit since 1983.
The NSW SES veteran was celebrated at an event last week for his extraordinary record of volunteering and public service, not only for the NSW SES but also as National CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
"Peter, many congratulations on your selfless and dedicated service for over 40 years as the Unit Commander for Ashfield-Leichhardt- a calling and a passion you have pursued to the benefit of others," wrote the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.
Mr Kaye holds an Emergency Service Medal (ESM), which recognises distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service and was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014.
Having joined the NSW SES 47 years ago, Mr Kaye has dedicated much of his life to volunteer roles after retiring from a successful senior executive management career in his mid-thirties to run his own business.
Not only has Peter Kaye led the Ashfield-Leichhardt Unit and held executive roles with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, but he was also the long-term Chair for SIDS and Kids (NSW, VIC, WA), Founder of Future Staff Group Training Company, and as a Microfinance Development Educator and Volunteer (South Pacific) has undertaken over 150 trips to the South Pacific to set up microfinance institutions.
Among those to express their admiration of Mr Kaye was NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM.
"He has selflessly devoted his time to so many causes in his community, over 47 years," Commissioner York said.
"He models the values of the SES, and he is very much appreciated by the volunteers in his Unit for his unwavering leadership."
NSW Police Superintendent David Johnson APM, who has worked with Mr Kaye for decades, said the retiring SES Unit Commander had always been a friend, not only to the NSW Police Force, but to all emergency services.
"Even in his senior roles, Peter had the happy knack of always having the common touch," Chief Superintendent Johnson said.
"Congratulations on an outstanding career, you will always be a friend of the NSW Police."
The new Ashfield-Leichhardt Unit Commander, Sharon Buckley, said Mr Kaye had left the unit in great shape.
"We've got a growing membership; we've got young people and we've got enthusiasm," she said.
"Our volunteers understand their individual roles and we really fit together as a functioning team."
While Mr Kaye has stepped down as Unit Commander, he will remain an SES volunteer.
