Cessnock District Rescue Squad president Doug Styles named as finalist for NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

Known as RESCA, the community-nominated awards program recognises all emergency services personnel - both paid and volunteer.

Finalists are drawn from Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service, the State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving, NSW Ambulance, and the Volunteer Rescue Association.

With 33 years in the Cessnock VRA squad, more than 40 years as a St John Ambulance volunteer and formerly a member of Mines Rescue, Mr Styles has dedicated most of his life to helping others and making sure the community is well-trained and ready for emergencies.

He joined the rescue squad in 1987 to "broaden his scope" as a volunteer.

"It was just another way to serve the community - from helping a pensioner who wants a tree moved, to assisting at motor vehicle accidents and search and rescue," he said.

Just two years after Mr Styles joined the VRA, the squad was called to assist at the Newcastle earthquake, which - alongside the Pasha Bulker storm of 2007 - remains the most memorable experience in his time as a volunteer.

Mr Styles has been active in administration, fundraising and care of personnel in his time as a volunteer, and said he was he was "overwhelmed" to learn of his RESCA nomination.

"I didn't expect it," he said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers.

"The past year has been an exceptionally challenging one for our community, and this is an appropriate time to pause, reflect and congratulate the individual emergency services for the service that they have provided," Mr Elliot said.

"As a state we are hugely indebted to all our emergency services men and women. We should never take for granted their commitment to protecting us and it is important that we acknowledge the unsung heroes who repeatedly go above and beyond.

"This year's is the highest number of nominations that has ever been received. Finalists have more than 600 years of combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary community service."

The awards acknowledge and celebrate the selfless community service of emergency services personnel while also supporting and funding two important Rotary initiatives: Australian Rotary Health and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

Winners for each service, plus two special overall winners and the young volunteer award, will be announced at a presentation on October 30.

The overall winners for NSW will then represent the state at the national awards on November 23.