Across more than two decades, Ross has earned more than a couple of notches on his belt in serving as the squad’s president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and director of fundraising.
And in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017, Ross was awarded the Emergency Service Medal.
Ross joined SS&RS at the age of 38. After hunting for volunteer groups across the region to become a part of, he soon felt a calling for Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad — much to his wife’s surprise.
“She sent me out to play golf or something, but instead I was persuaded to join,” he said.
Between the many years of volunteering, Ross worked full-time running his own plumbing business for 15 years, raised a family and is now a proud grandfather.
After 63 years in the Goulburn Valley, Ross recently made the move to Bannockburn and has taken a step back from the Shepparton squad, although he has been dipping his toes into a squad a little closer to his new home.
SS&RS vice-president Michael D’Elia said Ross was “instrumental” in bringing the squad into the age of Holmatro rescue gear and updating the fleet.
Among his many achievements, Ross had a hand in pushing for funding and grants, and the approval of using emergency sirens as an independent rescue unit.
“Search and Rescue really is quite special,” he said.
“It’s one of the only private organisations these days operating.
“It’s had to grow in training, with equipment and more to meet a national standard — not just meet, exceed.”
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