Mr Ryan originally joined as a retained (on-call) firefighter in 1969, before being appointed captain of the Bathurst Fire Station.

But on Monday, September 30, he's set to retire.

He mentioned Graham Spurway as a man that helped him join up 50 years.

"Graham Spurway and I were both milkmen in those days. He asked me if I wanted to join the fire brigade," he explained.

"Initially, I said I wasn't interested but I ended up going in for an interview and it went from there.

"I've really enjoyed it.

"The two biggest fires I've been to have both been at the Bathurst jail. The first was in 1970 and half the building went. The other was in 1974, where the whole lot burnt down.

"One of the scariest things was a house fire in George Street over 10 years ago. There was a person deceased inside. After we got him out and put the fire out, we realised the place was booby-trapped with drums of petrol with wicks in them. It makes you remember that this is a dangerous occupation."

His 50 year stint with Fire and Rescue may have never lasted longer than a year, as he intended to give it up after 12 months.

"I was thinking of retiring after the first 12 months but then I got tied up in going to the fire fighting games," he said.

"It's been great. They have four games for each zone about four times per year and there's a state one every two years. Up to 100 teams go to that, running for about four days. I've been to Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and even New Zealand for championships. I love it."

Across the past 50 years, Mr Ryan has noticed the drastic changes in the job.

"Back in those days, we only had about 150 calls a year, so when I was doing my milk run, I rarely got a call," he explained.

"Now we get over 650 calls a year, mainly because there are people in town and a lot more fire alarms.

"Back when I started we never use to go to rescues. We were just fireman and that was all we did.

"Everything has changed now. The uniform has changed over the years, being really fire resistant now.

"All the appliances and fire fighting techniques have dramatically changed over the past 30 years too. The first 20 years I was in it, nothing changed, just the same old thing."

On Tuesday night, Mr Ryan's fellow volunteers held a special farewell for him at the Bathurst Fire Station, presenting him with a framed cabinet featuring an old helmet, axe and badges across his 50 years of service.

On Saturday night, Mr Ryan had a family farewell, with family travelling from Queensland and Victoria to attend the special occasion.

"It was a real honour," he said.

"There's only been a few that's served for 50 years and I don't think there'll be another one.

"Bill Paul from Canowindra, up the road, he got 50 years this year and there's another guy at Oberon - Peter Ryan. He's got about 53-54 years."

And what did Mr Ryan say when asked, 'What do you say to those who are contemplating volunteer for Fire and Rescue?'

"It's a great experience," he said.

"You pick up a lot of skills and training and I've worked with a lot of great retained fire men."

Mr Ryan has previously been awarded the Australia Fire Service Medal as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2012.

"I was surprised, honoured and almost embarrassed - there are so many other people in the brigade that do good work," he said on his honour seven years.