'I was expecting to sneak off'

A long-serving member of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade told his farewell function on Saturday night that he had not been not been expecting to be speaking to a station packed with fellow brigade members, their families and friends.

"I was expecting to sneak off," John Whitlow said, adding that he had loved every minute of his time in the brigade.

"It's been my life for 28 years," he said.

"

I've seen some awful things but we have done some wonderful things too, and they outweigh the bad.

"

But while he would miss the brigade he did have a new hobby - pistol shooting - that was fully occupying his Saturdays.

Ron Attwood, who had actually retired in 2012 but had not been formally farewelled, thanked his colleagues for the comradeship he had enjoyed for so long, and for turning out to wish him and his wife well.

"And if you ever need us, call us. We'll be here," he said.

Chief Fire Officer Colin Kitchen described the function as a sad one, but as offering younger members the chance to step up.

"And they are," he said, before he paid tribute to his deputy Mr Whitlow and Mr Attwood.

Mr Whitlow joined the brigade in 1986. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in 1993, Station Officer in 1995, Senior Station Officer in 2004 and deputy CFO in 2008. He was the brigade's Firefighter of the Year in 1994.

He received his Gold Star, in recognition of 25 years' service, in 2011, and like Mr Attwood had been granted life membership of the brigade. He was also a like member of the Northland Fire Brigade Sub-Association, whose executive he was a member of from 1999 to 2002. He had also held the position of brigade secretary for 15 years, and had recorded some 3900 musters.

Mr Attwood, who Mr Kitchen believed had been the last volunteer in the country to hold the position of Third Officer when he retired in 2012 (the rank was disestablished in 2000, although those holding it retained it until their service ended), had racked up 4500 musters.

Mr Attwood had joined the Paihia brigade in 1984 and transferred to Kaitaia three years later. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in 1992, Station Officer in 1993 and Third Officer in 1995. He was Kaitaia's Firefighter of the Year in 1991.

He was also a life member of the Northland Fire Brigade Sub-Association, having served on the executive from 1993 to 1996. He received his Gold Star in 2009.

Mayor John Carter paid warm tributes to both men, and their wives, Carol Whitlow and Stephanie Attwood.

"Here we have four wonderful people. It is people like them who make our society what it is," he said.

"So often we look at the negative and not enough at the positive, but tonight we should think about the contribution these four have made. I am proud to be associated with them, and proud to represent the community in recognising the service they have given."

Station Officer Ross Beddows, who was the MC for the evening, agreed.

"There is not a firefighter in Kaitaia who would not have followed either of these two into any situation," he said.

The final formality of the evening was the announcement that Station Officer Craig Rogers had been promoted to succeed Mr Whitlow as deputy Chief Fire Officer. The function was also the first attended by Mr Rogers' 16-year-old daughter ALeesha, the brigade's newest recruit.

Thirty-four-year veteran Brian Shepherd became the first holder of the Terry Houghton Memorial Trophy, as Firefighter of the Year, at the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade's honours night on Saturday.

Mr Shepherd had made the trophy, a mounted firefighter's helmet, in place of the table lamp that had been presented for many years, Chief Fire Officer Colin Kitchen said, in memory of the late long-serving CFO. It was presented by Mr Houghton's daughter, Bev Clarke, and son-in-law Peter. Also honoured was Selwyn

Subritzky, who received a 14-year long service and good conduct medal, awarded to those who have made a particularly meritorious contribution to the Fire Service. Meanwhile the following service awards were presented. Three-year certificates - Linda Archer, Jeff Popata, Adrian Gledall and Bernie Leef. Bars: seven years - Devon Jordan; nine years - Dion Reid, Mark Lang and Andrew Staub; 28 years - John Whitlow; 35 years - Snow Bray; 39 years _ Dave Marquett; 45 years - Colin Kitchen; 47 years - Dave Mackenzie.