Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke presents former Young paramedic Bruce Howard with the NSW Government Service Medallion in recognition of more than 42 years of dedicated service to NSW Ambulance. Photo: Steph Cooke.
Young is reflecting on the remarkable careers of two of its most respected ambulance veterans after more than 90 years of combined service.
In the space of little more than a month, the community has honoured Bruce Howard with the NSW Government Service Medallion and farewelled fellow veteran Stephen Pollard after an extraordinary 50-year career, marking the close of a significant chapter for Young Ambulance Station.
Mr Howard joined the NSW Ambulance Service on 15 October 1979, beginning a career that would see him respond to thousands of emergencies and support countless families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“I was a paramedic in Young for over 42 years, from 1980 until 2023 when I was medically retired due to PTSD,” he said.
There was little Mr Howard didn’t see during his time on the road.
“I have attended every kind of incident, including cardiac arrests, electrocutions, stabbings, shootings, drownings and more,” he said.
Among the many incidents Mr Howard attended, one has remained with him.
In June 1993, a Monarch Air flight crashed on the outskirts of Young, killing all seven people on board.
“We were the second crew called to the Monarch Air crash,” Mr Howard recalled.
“The flight had crashed into a ball of flames on the outskirts of Young taking the lives of all seven lives on board.”
More than three decades later, the tragedy remains one of the district’s most devastating events and one that left a lasting impression on those who responded.
The cumulative impact of a lifetime spent responding to trauma eventually took its toll. Mr Howard was medically retired in 2023 after developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Today, he speaks openly about his experience, hoping it encourages other first responders to seek support while helping the broader community better understand the hidden toll of emergency service.
Caring for others shaped every stage of his career. As well as treating patients and comforting families, Mr Howard spent 13 years in a peer support role within NSW Ambulance, helping fellow paramedics through the psychological demands of emergency service.
His contribution wasn’t limited to the frontline.
Drawing on his background in software design, Mr Howard created MERLIN, a designation system that has been adopted across much of regional and rural NSW.
Presenting Mr Howard with the NSW Government Service Medallion, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the honour recognised not only his decades of service, but the professionalism he demonstrated throughout his career.
“Bruce has been there for people in some of the most frightening, heartbreaking and difficult moments of their lives,” she said.
“To serve for more than four decades in emergency care takes enormous courage, compassion and resilience.
“Bruce has given so much of himself to Young, to NSW Ambulance and to communities right across the region.”
Ms Cooke also acknowledged the personal toll that emergency service could take, saying Mr Howard’s openness about living with PTSD was a reminder that behind every uniform was a person, a family and a lifetime of service deserving of the community’s respect.
Mr Howard’s wife, Narelle, said the family could not be prouder.
“He’s got a way of connecting with people, he loves helping them,” she said.
Ms Cooke recognises Stephen Pollard following his retirement after 50 years with NSW Ambulance. Photo: Steph Cooke.
Mr Howard’s recognition follows the formal farewell of fellow veteran paramedic Stephen Pollard, who retired in May after an extraordinary 50-year career with NSW Ambulance.
Mr Pollard spent the final 30 years of his career serving the wider Young community from Young Ambulance Station.
His influence, however, extended well beyond emergency callouts.
Across NSW Ambulance, Mr Pollard became widely regarded as one of the state’s most respected paramedics, admired for his calm leadership and clinical expertise.
As president of the Health Services Union Ambulance Sector, he championed improved mental health support, workplace safety and greater professional recognition for paramedics throughout NSW.
Paying tribute at Mr Pollard’s retirement, Ms Cooke described his contribution as “truly next level”, saying she had frequently sought his advice and counsel while working to deliver better outcomes for paramedics across the Cootamundra electorate.
She said his experience, insight and unwavering commitment had helped shape the profession and would continue to influence future generations of paramedics.
Mr Pollard’s legacy also lives on through the next generation.
His son Ian now serves as a paramedic at Young Ambulance Station, while many of the officers he mentored continue to build on the example he set throughout his career.
If this story has raised issues for you, support is available. Contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or speak with your GP or another trusted health professional.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
