BY DAY Craig Cox is a Greymare cattle grazier, but in his other life he's a local hero, keeping watch over his neighbour's homes, properties and livestock.

Next week is National Volunteer Week, and so we here at the Warwick Daily News are giving thanks to our local volunteers by recognising their stories.

President of the Greymare Rural Fire Service Mr Cox said the efforts of all local RFS volunteers was done out of a personal love for their region.

"I started with the RFS when I was 18 to give back even a little to my community," he said. "Out there you never know who's going to be next, it could be you with the fire on your doorstep, we all have to do our bit."

"It's a community thing - I can remember taking fuel out to the tanks hosing down a railway fire as a boy," he said.

After marrying in his early twenties Mr Cox, moved into town and joined the Warwick State Emergency Services, were for three years he was a vertical rescue specialist.

Though a few "hairier days" spring to mind, one in particular stands out.

"The ultra light accident on the western side of Cordeaux about 12 or 13 years ago was hard," he said. "It was tough terrain, and a tough job to carry out."

His career with the Rural Fire Service became more involved when he returned to Greymare 10 years ago.

"I didn't have the time to be travelling back into town for the SES so I took on more responsibility with the RFS out home,:" he said.

For the eight men who attend regular training Mr Cox though time hasn't changed their dynamic, training has made them a more efficient team.

"Especially in regards to communication, when you're out there you can't be running around like a chook with your head cut off you need to be able to communicate as part of a larger team," he said.

"And there's always new pumps and machinery we have to come to terms with - it's a matter of survival sometimes."

For Mr Cox the most important part of being a volunteer was the comradery.

"My wife has just joined and my dad has been a first officer for 20 years," he said. "While we don't always see eye to eye we respect each other."

The public are invited to come along to the Warwick SES training night Tuesday May 12, from 7pm at the SES shed on 64 Fitzroy St.