It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge Bob Wittrien for being a member of the Glenbrook-Lapstone volunteer bush fire brigade since its inception in 1969. During his 54 years of service, Bob has filled many roles, including trail cutting, hazard reductions, fire spotting from the tower, firefighting, and search and rescue. Bob was involved as an operational firefighter in the Blue Mountains from 1969 up to and including the Christmas fires of the 2001-2002 season. His trade background enabled him to be actively involved in the maintenance of equipment and vehicles and station modification back in the days when the brigade had to supply and modify its own vehicles and maintain them in operational readiness. Bob has been an inspiring mentor to many. His unique historical knowledge of the brigade's development over the past 54 years has proven to be invaluable. Bob has deservedly been the recipient of many RFS medals—too many to mention here. He has been described as friendly, outgoing and ready to help whenever he can. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bob for his outstanding service to our community and wish him a very happy birthday for his ninetieth.