Foxton brigade recognises its volunteer firefighters for longstanding service

Foxton Volunteer Fire Brigade Members who served in this past 12 months.

Foxton Volunteer Fire Brigade held their annual honours evening last Saturday.

The evening recognises long service and achievements over the last year.

In his speech, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Shaun Sayer acknowledged the challenges 2020 brought, particularly with Covid-19.

Essential services continued including volunteer fire brigades all over New Zealand.

"In Foxton, for the very first time I am aware of, we had operational duty crews. Only those on duty at the time were to respond. We did two 48 hour shifts of six members.

"If the siren sounded, you were expected to respond and crew the appliance. Only four were allowed to enter the station and the rest went home if the appliance was full.

"There was a cleaning protocol on return, wiping down all touched surfaces in the fire appliance and station, and potential replacement of other garments if it was a medical call.

"There was no training on station so those that could went online. It was a totally different atmosphere and experience."

The awards presented were:
Five year medals:
Firefighter Shane Solomon
Qualified Firefighter Michelle Williamson
Firefighter Davina Solomon

Long service and good service first clasp:
Senior Station Officer Roger Clement for 21 years' service

Two year silver bar:
Senior Firefighter Michael Garard for 23 years' service

Two year gold bar:
Station Officer Michael Clement for 33 years' service

Firefighter of the year:
Firefighter Paul Bairstow

Corley cup for most conscientious member:
Firefighter Tarehu Solomon

Honorary brigade member Rodger Calder was also recognised, receiving his double gold star for 50 years' service recently.

CFO Sayer explained the majority of awards were service awards – given for longevity of volunteer service. The Corey cup for most conscientious member was decided by a secret vote by the whole crew.

"I think Tarehu received this cup for his efforts to bring the whole brigade together socially, recognising if we socialise together, we work better together." Several members of the Solomon whānau are/have been involved with the Foxton brigade.

At the honours evening, a total of 92 years' service was recognised. Current brigade members have served their communities for a total of 174.55 years. The total years of service by all brigade members is an astonishing 1821.80 years.

Family and whānau of the then 19-strong firefighting crew attended the honours evening. CFO Sayer recognised the support of them, as well as the employers who allowed their staff to respond to emergencies in work time.

Volunteer firefighters are always needed. To find out more information check out the website: https://fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/register-your-interest-to-volunteer/ or contact CFO Sayer directly on 027 290 5855.