The Courier cartoonist Paul Dorin, when he is not at the drawing desk, is also a Station Commander with Fire and Rescue NSW.
Mr Dorin has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, with an Australian Fire Service Medal for his more than 30 years of dedicated service to Fire and Rescue NSW and his community.
“Throughout his career Captain Paul Dorin AFSM has exemplified the values of FRNSW and is well-regarded by firefighters and staff alike as a passionate, knowledgeable, supportive, empathetic and humble leader,” his citation read.
Mr Dorin has been the driver of two great community initiatives, the Home Care and Disability Fire Safety Program, which he developed after recognising the potential link between clients and carers and how this could help support fire safety efforts.
The program uses a QR code which becomes part of a client’s communication folder which allows access to fire safety resources including an electronic form to book a free safety visit whereby local firefighters will attend a client’s home and identify any potential fire hazards and ensure working smoke alarms are present.
This year’s Winter Fire Safety Campaign, Fire and Rescue NSW launched the inaugural Smoke Alarm Action Day, or SAAD, on Saturday, June 1.
Smoke Alarm Action Day was also the brainchild of Mr Dorin, and takes FRNSW’s principal community safety message and gives it its own day to encourage the public take action.
Paul’s concept is simple – all he asked is for people to check their smoke alarms were working, on the first day of winter, time that usually sees an increase in residential fires.
“Mr Dorin is regarded as a role model not only to his crew, but throughout Fire and Rescue NSW, and is an inspiration to all who know him,” his citation read.
“I feel very fortunate to be recognised in this way,” Capt Dorin said.
“I also feel very fortunate to be part of an organisation that is highly regarded within the community.”
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