"I can remember every minute of those three hours," retired firefighter Roger Larsen said.
The ferocious rail tanker fuel fire loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol and surrounded by millions more at the Mobil Depot in East Street 41 years ago is forever etched on his mind.
He and nine others fought and prevented what could have been an imminent catastrophic explosion that wiped out half the town.
On December 3 these heroes were finally given the recognition they so sorely deserved for their actions that day in May 1983, thanks in part to State Member for Orange Philip Donato, who first raised the issue in NSW Parliament in June 2023.
While only five of the 10 firefighters are alive today, the announcement brought solace and closure to those who remain, including the families of those who have since passed on.
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The firefighters are the late Captain Gordon Northey, the late Rodney Bradley, Robert Tinker, Graham Dixon, Roger Larsen, Graham Thompson, the late Robert McDonald, Don Jewell, the late Bruce Shanks and the late John Ashcroft.
Roger was the firefighter who put himself in greater danger to detach the burning tanker from a second rail car, allowing rail staff to take it away.
For Roger, he described December 3's presentation as the cherry on top.
"I had closure when Phil Donato spoke about it in parliament," he said.
Don Jewell, who'd been advocating for recognition for him and his fellow firefighters for years and described the incident as a traumatic day, was at peace with himself.
He felt comfort in the presence of Fire and Rescue NSW Commander of Region Zone West Superintendent Anthony Hojel at the presentation and Mr Hojel's speech.
"This is the first time in 40 years we've had someone from Fire and Rescue NSW come and speak to us face-to-face about it," Don said.
A de-briefing of the fire that was meant to take place a week later in 1983 never occurred.
Graham Thompson said December 3 was a good day.
"Some have been pushing for this, I'm very much appreciative for it," he said.
Graham worked the hoses during the fire, which included only three with very poor water pressure and limited foam stocks.
He was 28 years old at the time, married with three young children.
Brian Drabsch was the only police officer on scene at the fire, he attended December 3's ceremony to witness the presentation.
He brought along an old plaque that had been presented to Parkes Police, its date unknown, by Parkes Shire Council in recognition of their outstanding service during the Mobil Fuel Depot fire.
