Deputy Chief Fire Officer Craig Rogers, the 24th member of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade to receive a Gold Star for 25 years' service, and wife Sarah.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Craig Rogers, the 24th member of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade to receive a Gold Star for 25 years' service, and wife Sarah.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Craig Rogers became the 24th member of the Kaitaia Fire Brigade to receive a Gold Star for 25 years' service on Saturday night, after Senior Station Officer Ross Beddows told several hundred guests that he was a much respected, loved member of the brigade.
"He is held in high regard for his dedication, knowledge and experience, and we are all proud to share this evening with him," he added.
Muriwhenua area manager Wiparihi Henwood was equally complimentary, describing Mr Rogers and Chief Fire Officer Colin Kitchen as great leaders for the people of Kaitaia, and an excellent "one-two" combination.
Senior Firefighter Bernie Leef receiving the Firefighter of the Year award from Dot Houghton, while Senior Station Officer Ross Beddows watches. The trophy is named in memory of Mrs Houghton's late husband, long-serving CFO Terry Houghton.
Mr Kitchen, representing the United Fire Brigades' Association as a past president, said Mr Rogers was a pillar in the brigade.
"I could not have asked for a better deputy," he said.
Eric Clarke had been the first brigade member to receive a Gold Star in 1965, but it was not a common achievement. Five per cent of those who joined the Fire Service would make 25 years, and 0.5 per cent would receive a double Gold Star for 50 years.
There were three double Gold Star holders, including Dave McKenzie (Kaitaia) and Rodger Beatson (Ahipara), in the room. He was quickly corrected - Jim Powdrill (Kaikohe) was added to the list, then Lindsay Murray (Kaeo), and when the count reached seven he conceded, saying he would do his homework next time.
Senior Firefighter Grant (Turbo) Libby (right) and Station Officer Garry Rush (above), who received their 14-year long service and good conduct medals.
Meanwhile Mr Rogers joined the brigade on February 20, 1992, and attended his first call before he had even begun training. Her succeeded John Whitlow as DCFO in 2014, and over 25 years had responded to 85 per cent of musters, 97.2 per cent in the last eight years.
Numerous presentations were made to him on Saturday night, including life membership of the brigade, membership of the Gold Star Association, with more from the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades' Association, the Northland Fire Brigades sub-Association (for outstanding achievement) and the Far North District Council, Mayor John Carter speaking highly of firefighters in general.
"Of all the people I have had the honour and privilege of being involved with, it is you firefighters who stand out," he said.
"You are the salt of the Earth, the heart of our nation. Your represent the very best of our country."
Mr Rogers replied that he had gained enormously from his involvement over the last 25 years.
"There is lots to do in the Fire Service," he said.
"All you have to do is put in the time, and you will be rewarded 10-fold."
THE HONOURS GO TO ...
Twenty-two members of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade received service honours on Saturday night, as follows.
Three years' service - Firefighter Aleesha Rogers. Five years - Senior Firefighter Adrian Gleadell, FF Linda Archer, Qualified Firefighter Jeff Popata, SFF Bernie Leef, QFF Calley Osborne, Firefighter Fred Cassidy. Nine years - SFF Kaye Ah Sam, SFF Devin Jordan. Eleven years - QFF Mark King, SFF Dion Reid. Thirteen years - QFF Andre Meads, Station Officer Eddie Bellas. Fifteen years - SO Garry Rush, SFF Grant Libby, SFF Tania Sparrey. Nineteen years - SO Selwyn Subritzky. Twenty-one years - SO Grant Baker. Twenty-seven years - Senior Station Officer Ross Beddows. Thirty-seven years - SO Brian Shepherd, Allen (Snow) Bray. Forty-one years - Operational Support David Marquet. Forty-eight years - Chief Fire Officer Colin Kitchen.
Station Officer Garry Rush and Senior Firefighter Grant Libby received 14-year long service and good conduct medals, and Station Officer Dave McKenzie a 49-year long service and good conduct clasp.
