Firefighting instructor's career celebrated

SGT Tony Sherring, a firefighting instructor with RAAF’s Security and Fire School, has been awarded a Federation Star in recognition of 40 years of service to Air Force.

CAF AIRMSHL Stephen Chappell, alongside Warrant Officer of the Air Force WOFF-AF Ralph Clifton, presented the Federation Star to SGT Sherring at RAAF Base Amberley on October 15. 

SGT Sherring enlisted in September 1985 as a general hand and re-mustered to firefighter in 1988. He deployed on Operations Warden, Deluge, Flood Assist and Slipper, including overseas deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan. He transitioned to reserve service in 2018.

Looking back on his decision to enlist, SGT Sherring remembers his great uncle who served with the RAAF in World War II.

“The RAAF was very close to his heart and he was quite vocal about which service I should choose when he found out I was considering joining the military. His banter about the different services gave our family a good laugh,” SGT Sherring said.

“Sadly, he passed away not long after I enlisted, but the whole family knew he was very proud of me for following in his footsteps.”

Among the many experiences during his career, SGT Sherring’s deployment to Timor-Leste stands out as particularly rewarding.

“Supporting the Timorese people as they worked to regain control of their country was very meaningful. We had a real sense of purpose on that mission and felt we were making a real difference,” he said.

SGT Sherring also considers it a privilege to have been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding young aviator firefighters through their careers.

“Joining the Defence Force is not just a job – you join a family that will encourage you to do your best, help you through bad times and always have your back when you need them,” SGT Sherring said.

Until his retirement, SGT Sherring will continue to contribute to the training of future firefighter trainees.

The Federation Star is a clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal and represents one of the most significant acknowledgements of long and exceptional service in the ADF.