The accolade in the Australia Day Honours List recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.

Station officer Maynard has 34 years' experience as a firefighter including nine years in Port Macquarie.

Station officer Maynard has played a significant role in Fire and Rescue NSW's evolution, being among the first female firefighters to join the organisation and to progress to station officer.

That makes her a trailblazer and role model for others.

"I think it's important there is a support network for women," she said.

"Even though your gender doesn't come into it in this job, there are some issues that are specific only to women."

The example which station officer Maynard has set and the mentoring she has provided have made an important contribution to enabling other women to progress to senior officer ranks.

Station officer Maynard said being a firefighter was a fantastic career with an abundance of opportunities.

"We are such a diverse organisation and there are so many opportunities available for people," she said.

"When they are made available to me, I take them and make the most of them."

Station officer Maynard has worked in a wide range of operational roles.

She developed expertise in motor driving and pump operations and went on to share this knowledge as an instructor at the Appliance Training Unit.

Station officer Maynard has an ongoing focus on the development of her staff, providing guidance and mentoring.

Any given day can hold tasks from checking equipment to brigade exercises, administration duties, drills, mopping floors, home safety checks and responding to fire calls.

"I've always thought it was a privilege to deal with somebody potentially on the worst day of their life," she said about responding to emergency situations.

Read more: Outstanding community commitment honoured with OAM

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