Family celebrated at awards

21 Nov 2024 • By Viv Posselt

Family was at the heart of Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade annual awards evening on Saturday.

Operational support station officer Murry Gillard, centre, surrounded by his family at the awards. They are, from left, daughter Michelle Gillard, sister-in-law Linda Rumbles, Murry’s wife Joy Gillard, his new and first grandchild Posie Curry, daughters Hayley Gillard and Emma Curry, son-in-law Logan Curry, and brother-in-law Murray Rumbles. Photo: Viv Posselt

Brigade life honorary member Rinske McLiesh with operational support station officer Murry Gillard after presenting him with a gold bar for 54 years’ service. Photo: supplied

Whānau was recognised in speeches, and spouses were at the side of their other halves when awards were presented. The family’s value in supporting the firefighters was frequently acknowledged, as was the vital role played by employers who never object when their firefighting staffers leave to answer the siren’s call.

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger presented CFO Ian Campbell, seen here with his wife Sharlene, with a long service medal for completing 42 years’ service.

True to form, there was a callout just before Saturday’s event started. It turned out to be minor and order was restored in time for those attending to hear senior station officer Danny Smith tell guests that volunteer firefighters make up 86 per cent of the FENZ (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) frontline workforce, numbering 12,000 volunteers nationally. There are 559 volunteer brigades, and 36 composite brigades (a mix of volunteer and paid) in New Zealand.

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger presented a Long Service Good Conduct Medal for 14 years’ service to qualified firefighter Geoff Baker, seen here with his wife Caroline Baker. Photo: Viv Posselt

The Te Awamutu brigade, which he described as “proudly 100 per cent volunteers” has 42 members, who between them have responded to 332 calls for the year.

He said callouts were often very inconvenient, and thanked families, employers and the brigades’ service partners, including police and St John, for being flexible in their response.

Senior station officer Danny Smith emcee’d the event and was awarded a silver bar for 17 years’ service. Photo: Viv Posselt

Family was also acknowledged when operational support station officer Murry Gillard was presented with a gold bar for 54 years’ service. Several of his own family were there, including a brand-new granddaughter.

Another proud family moment was when Helen Wilkes received her five-year medal from Waipā District Councillor Lou Brown. Her father Rob Godderidge – who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for services to the community, and who has attained 54 years in the fire service – was there to enjoy the moment. The pair quipped that Helen would have to reach 110 years of age if she was to match her dad’s achievement.

Also presenting awards was Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, chief fire officer (CFO) Ian Campbell, and brigade life honorary members Rob Peters and Rinske McLiesh.

CFO Ian Campbell was presented with a Plaque for Achievement in acknowledgement of his award in June of the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency NZ, and the Taekwondo Brigade Crew Cup.

Senior firefighter Ryan Johnstone receiving his silver bar for 11 years’ service from brigade life honorary member Rob Peters. Photo: Viv Posselt

Campbell made several presentations, including to Lisa Atkinson and Anna Alexander for their outstanding achievement in the 2024 Firefighter Challenge, and for achieving entry into the prestigious ‘Lion’s Den’.

Brigade life honorary member Rinske McLiesh gives operational support station officer Murry Gillard a hug after presenting him with a gold bar for 54 years’ service. Photo: Viv Posselt

He also presented the following brigade member awards:

Brigade Firefighter of the Year – station officer Lale Stapleford, Brigade Crew Cup – Tawhiao Crew, Brigade Excellence – Lochy Rollinson and Kelly Bennetto, Attendance Cup – Kayden Mackenzie-Griffin and Geoff Baker. United Fire Brigades’ Association service awards – Lochy Rollinson, Helen Wilkes (5 years); Donovan Horn, Kelly Bennetto, David Gray (9 years), Julius Dranguet, Ryan Johnstone (11 years), Shaun Higginson (13 years), Anna Alexander (15 years), Allan Clark, George Jensen, Danny Smith (17 years), Murry Gillard (54 years). NZ Fire Brigade awards – Anna Alexander (14 years), Geoffrey Baker (21 years), Ian Campbell (42 years).