Pirongia Voluntary Rural Fire Force’s Franklin St station.
A “dedicated gentleman who lived and breathed the fire service” in both Te Awamutu and Pirongia for more than 50 years is to be honoured today.
A celebration of the life of Robert (Robbie) Morriss – a past chief fire officer of both Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade and Pirongia Voluntary Rural Fire Force – was to be held at Alexandra House Chapel, Te Awamutu.
Robbie died last Thursday. He was 85.
The flag outside Pirongia Voluntary Rural Fire Force’s Franklin St station was at half-mast when The News visited on Monday.
First joining the Te Awamutu Brigade in January 1955, Robbie served there until 1996.
President of the United Fire Brigades Association in 1986-87, he was recognised with a Gold Star for 25 years’ service in 1980.
He was appointed Te Awamutu’s chief fire officer in 1990 and served in that role until his retirement in 1996 – having been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal the previous year.
In 1994, about a year after the Pirongia Voluntary Rural Fire Force was established, force members asked Robbie to help train them.
So, for about 18 months, he held both the role of Te Awamutu’s chief fire officer and a role in which he helped with training at Pirongia.
After retiring in 1996, he formally joined Pirongia as a training officer – ultimately becoming Pirongia’s chief fire officer.
Robert (Robbie) Morriss.
In 2007, when Robbie was honoured with a medal for 50 years’ service at a special ceremony at Pirongia Rugby Sports Club, it was believed to be the first time someone attached to a rural fire force had received such recognition.
He retired in 2012.
A life member of the Pirongia Volunteer Rural Fire Force, he was there to help cut the cake when the force celebrated 25 years with a silver jubilee in 2018.
Former Pirongia Volunteer Rural Fire Force Chief Fire Officer Bruce Budd – who in 2021 received what was thought to be the first Gold Star medal in the Pirongia brigade – said Robbie was known and respected as a gentleman throughout the fire service.
Budd, who became Pirongia’s chief fire officer after Robbie, honoured him for his dedication.
“Robbie was the one who taught me what it was to be a fire chief – he led by example.
“He was such a great help to us in Pirongia. Simply put – he has left a legacy. Pirongia Volunteer Rural Fire Force is, to a large extent, what it is today because of Robbie. He has left big boots to fill.”
A photo tribute to Robbie posted on Pirongia Volunteer Rural Fire Force’s Facebook on Sunday said “large tree” had fallen with Robbie’s passing.
“Our thoughts are with his family,” the post went on to say.
