RURAL Fire Service (RFS) community safety officer Patrick Westwood spent his last day on the job at Dubbo yesterday as he prepares to take over the reins as manager of the Albury-based Southern Border zone.
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Inspector Westwood has worked in fire management since the early 2000s and came to Dubbo from the RFS Sydney head office about three years ago.
RFS Orana zone manager Lyndon Wieland paid tribute to his outgoing colleague.
"Patrick has been a pleasure to work with and have on the Orana staff," he said.
"All of our volunteers have respected him for his efforts in hazard reduction and community engagement.
"His ability to forecast fire activity during some of our larger incidents has been incredible."
Mr Westwood had in recent times worked with fellow community safety officer Kennedy Tourle on the Women With Flair program which aimed to increase bushfire awareness, knowledge, skills and confidence for women, Superintendent Wieland said.
He said Inspector Westwood had hit the ground running in his Dubbo-based role.
"Especially coming from Sydney, the way he adapted to work in our environment, being able to remember the names of roads and people in the area, which is so important in that role when we have operations running, was very impressive.
"The new role is a big promotion, he will manage staff and have a lot of responsibility down there."
