For Paul and Emily Ledwich, the State Emergency Service isn’t just a volunteer organisation – it’s family.
Honoured with unit life membership medals at the Craigieburn SES, the couple reflected on decades of service, sacrifice, and satisfaction.
“It means I will always be a member of the Craigieburn SES Unit,” Paul said.
“Knowing I have lifelong friends and can call on the unit for help if ever I need it. It is an honour to be a lifelong member.”
Paul’s time with the SES is marked by moments of grit, teamwork and quiet heroism.
He recalls one rescue where a woman had injured her ankle on the top floor of an unfinished two-storey home.
“As the stairs had not been built yet, we had to place the lady in a stretcher and rig it up with a rope from each corner and lower it down to the ground floor through the opening where the stairs were to be constructed.”
Another mission saw the crew battling time and terrain.
“A semitrailer had run off the Hume Highway and slid sideways into a large tree, trapping the driver by his legs…It took our team nearly two hours to free him.”
Paul said safety has evolved dramatically since he first joined. “When I joined, safety was not emphasised as much as it is today…today we have better uniforms including gloves, helmets, boots, safety harness and equipment for rooftop work.”
Emily, who supported the team in welfare roles, said, “My fondest memories are when I was able to provide welfare to the members when they had long and trying jobs…It was most satisfying for me knowing both my husband and son were part of the team I was helping”.
She urged others to get involved.
“Do give the SES a try…although hard at times, it is very satisfying to know you are helping others.”
Paul agreed. “The SES is a great organisation to join if you want to help the community.”
