Flavio Scalon was presented with his 30 Years of Service Award at the NSW SES Cronulla Unit's annual awards ceremony last week, recognising a long-standing commitment to helping his community.
The 65-year-old joined the NSW SES at Caringbah in 1995 after migrating to Australia from Italy. The inspiration spurred when Mr Scalon witnessed the Como and Jannali bushfires, prompting him to give back to his community.
"I was sitting by my swimming pool and watching all the burning leaves drop around me. That's when I told my wife that I would join the SES and see how I could help other people around me," Mr Scalon said.
Since then, he has become one of the Unit's most active volunteers, responding to storms, floods, searches for missing people, and supporting the NSW Rural Fire Service during bushfires.
"Every job is different. I do it because I enjoy helping people," Mr Scalon said.
During his service, he has deployed outside of his community to support others during disasters, including the 1999 Sydney hailstorm and the 2021 Hawkesbury floods, where he recalls rescuing 25 dogs and four people from a kennel.
"Within about 25 minutes, the entire kennel was underwater. We went around to try and save as many dogs as possible," Mr Scalon said.
"It was such a good feeling to get all of them out safely - I'll never forget when one of the dogs licked me as if to say thank you."
Beyond emergency response, Mr Scalon has also supported the annual St Stylianos Greek Easter Procession for 15 years, helping ensure thousands of attendees safely participate in the event.
"We have about 5,000 people at the church at once, and I think it's really important to make sure everyone, especially the kids, can cross the roads safely," he said.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone commended Mr Scalon on his contribution to the Service and the wider community.
"For 30 years, Flavio has consistently shown up for the community during major events and the day-to-day jobs," Assistant Commissioner Malone said.
"His experience, commitment and generosity have made a lasting impact on the people of the Sutherland Shire and on the many volunteers who have served alongside him."
