Dirk Spek

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate 60-year-old Dirk Spek on his retirement from Fire and Rescue New South Wales after a commendable career which spanned 34 years. Dirk was farewelled with a standing ovation at Morisset Station earlier this month when he clocked off for the final time. His fellow firefighters described him as a true gentleman of Fire and Rescue New South Wales and as someone who is genuine, down to earth and loyal. Newcastle Deputy Commander Spek joined the brigade in 1988 in Sydney and says his decision to become a firefighter was inspired by watching his brother in the brigade as well as a desire to enter a career where he could help people. Dirk has served the wider Hunter community for the past 20 years after moving to Lake Macquarie to raise a family. For the past 12 years he has held the esteemed rank of Deputy Commander, a position which saw him oversee 400 firefighters and 40 stations. I'd like to thank Dirk for his many years of service and for his unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe.