Paul Baxter, who has been awarded the Queen's Service Order, began his firefighting career in Hawke's Bay at the foot of the ladder but during his 35 years of service climbed to the top rung.
And he is now at the top of the service ladder across the Tasman where he is serving as Commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales - Australia's largest urban fire and rescue service.
He took up the role in March this year after five years as the national Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service where he was lauded for his leadership and commitment, and especially his focus on the Vision 2020 initiative.
In thanking Mr Baxter for his service to New Zealand firefighting, on the front line and at managerial level, Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said his dedication to the role had been "critical" in ensuring the country's fire services were ready for the changes ahead which involved better meeting the needs of communities.
Mr Baxter said while he was sad to leave the service after so many years he looked forward to the challenges ahead, and to working with the people of New South Wales.