Each year they gather to reminisce - about the successful rescues, the heartwarming gestures of thanks, or the despair of losing a life.
Some memories are joyful, others sad, yet when this group unites, conversations spark times of team effort.
Kogarah Fire Station hosted its annual function for retired firefighters this week.
Most are from or worked as a firefighter in St George and Sutherland Shire.
Retired Inspector Bill Powell has organised all the reunions in the southern region, and has been the function coordinator since 2007.
Mr Powell served for 40 years in what was formely known as NSW Fire Brigades. He began in 1967 as a probationary firefighter, spending much of his time at Kogarah, before being promoted to station commander, and then district officer.
The final 16 years of his career he spent in fire investigations, and worked in product safety, advising local government, the education department and the insurance industry.
"There were seven of us attached to it. We appeared in court quite a bit, providing statements and evidence, bringing closure to people who had unfortunately lost loved ones. Knowing how a fire started in their house, that was satisfying to many families," he said.
"I attended lots of fatalities. When relatives come up to you after a coroner's inquest and thanks you for what you offered the court, the work was rewarding."
Reward also came in the literal form, with Mr Powell receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal.
"I seemed to enjoy the community involvement and working with my peers," he said. "That was reward enough."
And then were the modern devices retirees continue to be in awe of. One being the Forward Command Vehicle, which marked historic growth in mobile communications. The bus reponds to major incidents nowadays, but before its time, equipment was a little less high-tech.
"The state-of-the-art equipment is also a marvel in itself with how advanced it's become," Mr Powell said.
"We mostly reflect on the great people, the job and the camaraderie. We have our regulars here - often about 40-60 show up, and those who hear about us and come along to enjoy the day."
