''That's why it's the greatest organisation in the world and that's why we're the first to care.''
The organisation could have no better ''poster boy'' than the 66-year-old Alexandra man.
His comments were made at a function last week to mark his 52-year service to St John.
He joined in Dunedin as a cadet when he was 10. Under the awards system, until junior members get their adult first aid certificate, every two years' service counts as one year, so his years of involvement outstrip his ''recognised'' years of service.
Mr Downer has served as a volunteer and as a paid staff member in Southland and in Alexandra, and still works as a clinical tutor for the organisation, training new members and ambulance officers.
He joined after watching emergency services respond to a motorcycle crash in Dunedin.
''That really sparked my interest and I joined the cadets, learned first aid, and entered competitions, and I'm still with St John more than 50 years later.''
Alexandra St John area manager Robert Miller said it was timely to recognise Mr Downer's years of ''fantastic and unselfish service''.
The 52-year award was a laurel leaf bar.
''It is humbling standing here introducing a person I personally hold in the highest regard, who is a person so respected by St John and the wider community and who epitomises the core values of St John,'' he said.
Mr Downer paid tribute to his wife of 47 years, Kay, and his family.
''This award is as much for them as for me. They've given me the best support you could ever hope for.''
His role as a clinical tutor, working all over the country, was immensely rewarding.
''I get the greatest pleasure from teaching new people, seeing them wide-eyed and enthusiastic and wanting to learn, and seeing them walk away with the new skills up their sleeve.''
Mr Downer's son, Shane, said he had followed in his father's footsteps.
He works as the superintendent of emergency services - fire, medical and rescue - at Newcrest mines in the Cadia Valley, New South Wales, which was the largest underground mine in Australia, he said.
''When I was a kid, I used to think Dad was a hard taskmaster at times, but he set me on this path ... I'm really proud of him and wouldn't have missed this occasion.''
After leaving school, his father trained as a male nurse at Burwood, which was then the only training school which admitted male recruits.
Mr Downer's association with St John included several years as divisional superintendent of the Murihiku cadet division, eight years as district staff officer in Southland and being a foundation member of the Otago Southland Emergency Services District Planning Group.
Mr Downer set up public eduction services for St John First Aid courses in Southland and was the first instructor.
He and his family moved to Alexandra 33 years ago and he became Alexandra St John station officer in 1985, district manager in 1989 and district operations manager from 1997 to 2005.
As well as working as a clinical tutor, he is also on the Alexandra area committee.
Retirement is not on the cards yet.
''I'll continue as long as my health allows and as long as I'm needed.''
