TWO Country Fire Authority members have been recognised for their service and commitment to the organisation.
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Norm Bowen was honoured for 50 years of service while Shane Owins was recognised for 10 years.
Mr Bowen first joined the CFA in Swan Hill as a 16-year-old before becoming a member at Goornong and then Woodvale.
The 73-year-old oversees the welfare department with the Bendigo Headquarters Brigade nowadays and said he still has a few years left in him.
"I have had 50 years of fun," he said.
"I've made some good friends and done some serious work."
Mr Bowen said he didn't join up to the organisation to get a medal but it was nice to be recognised for his service.
He said he was always learning new things and encouraged new members to get involved.
Mr Owins said he got involved 10 years ago when the Junortown Brigade were looking for members.
He said he works with the Critical Incident Stress Management team to help firefighters manage the conditions of the job.
Mr Owins said his 10 years of service had passed far too quickly.
He said he was involved in Black Saturday and it was experiences like this that he had formed tight friendships with other firies.
"It's a real family," he said.
"You talk on the phone with all these guys and it isn't unlike incidents like Black Saturday that you get to meet them.
There is lots of camaraderie."