Waipawa Volunteer Fire Bridage Honors Presentation

Garry’s involvement with the brigade began due to a good friend being a member of the brigade.

“They were looking for volunteers and he convinced me to do it. I thought ‘why not?’ and I left.

“The brigade has become like a second family for me. We share the feeling of adrenaline when the siren sounds, then when it’s all over we feel great satisfaction at having saved lives and property.

“When there is a major incident, we then debrief and talking about it brings us together. There is a feeling of accomplishment, of helping the city and the community.

Garry has been involved in some of the district’s biggest fires, including the Waipukurau Hospital fire.

“It was a big fire, we were there for a few days and it was amazing how badly it was still burning. The Waipawa Four Square fire was another big undertaking, and of course the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

“You have to have your family behind you to do the work. When the siren sounds, you drop everything, you leave things behind that you then have to pick up.

He advises anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to “come and see, see if it’s for you.” Training and skills can benefit you as well as the brigade.

Other brigade honors were awarded to the following members: Ross Fraser, 3 years; Kylie Barnes, 7; Scott Marillier, 7; Scott Hain, 15; Theresa-Belle Whiting, 15; Aidan Greenwood, 17, and honorary brigade member Leigh Whiting, 19.

Temari Taoro-Ashin – former deputy fire chief and member of the brigade – received the brigade’s Honorary Life Membership medal for turning 19.

Brigade Honors is an evening to celebrate the dedication of firefighters and the families and whanau who support firefighters.

Efforts by firefighters to respond to incidents, to ensure their operational skills are up to date by attending training every Monday evening and also ensuring they are operationally ready when the siren sounds resounds, cannot be underestimated.

The Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade is always looking for volunteers.

The minimum age is 16 years old and good physical condition and upper body strength are helpful.

The bridge responds to various emergency incidents such as structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical events, fires in the natural environment and much more.

This can be a busy and demanding role.

The brigade trains every Monday evening to maintain operational proficiency, and each member has a role to play in keeping the station, devices and equipment ready to operate.

The brigade invites anyone interested to contact fire chief Willy Christall, or to come to the station on a Monday evening to meet members of the brigade.