The former police sergeant retired in 2013 and moved down the coast with his wife, Jane Mayer-Simcock. To enjoy some hard-earnt peace and quiet, they purchased a bush property out at Termeil.

When the Currowan bushfire began to approach the property, Roger chose to stay and defend, while Jane evacuated with their dogs and horses.

Speaking to the Milton-Ulladulla Times on Wednesday, December 4, it's clear Roger's emergency response experience has come in handy.

He is calm, optimistic and hard at work.

"Last night was the first night I slept without my boots on," he said.

"Today I've got the chainsaw and begun to clear the highway north of East Lynne, and the roads around our home and up to the neighbours."

Earlier this morning, he prepared a bacon and egg breakfast for firies, to thank them for staying at his property and defending it overnight.

He said the bush around the property had been devastated, but so far, the fire hasn't touched the home or sheds - it even went around the burial place of his beloved police dog, Jeff.

"I did give the firies a bit of a moment when I said I had to go up and get my mum," he said.

"I told them she was watching my dog - well, she was in her urn on the log above him.

"I got her home safe, and although the fire burnt the log, it went around Jeff."