Second generation awarded gold star

LONG SERVICE:Mike Hicks says he enjoys the sense of comradeship among the volunteers. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

A Carterton man who has followed in his father's footsteps as a volunteer firefighter has done his dad proud by serving his community for more than 25 years.

Mike Hicks, who joined the brigade as a 17-year-old, recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a firefighter at a special ceremony where he was recognised with a gold star medal.

His father, Trevor, was a member of the brigade for about 38 years and Mr Hicks said he grew up travelling around the North Island watching his dad competing in firefighting competitions.

Unfortunately due to illness his father was not able to attend the ceremony, but watched it via Skype.

Mr Hicks said: "I think he was looking forward to it more than I was. It certainly hasn't taken long to get here."

He is one of three Carterton firefighters whose fathers formerly volunteered for the brigade, the others being fire chief Wayne Robinson and Blaine Smith.

"[Dad had] been in it so we'd sort of been around it. Wayne and Blaine's dads had all been it for years and years as well so we were around it from a fairly young age.

"I'd always been interested in it really. We got brought up around it from day to day really."

All three men are members of the Carterton competition team, which competes in the Waterways Competitions nationally and internationally.

In addition to helping people, Mr Hicks said he enjoyed the sense of comradeship among the volunteers.

"I've got some pretty good friends here and we spend plenty of time together."

The team of about 28 volunteers was a tight-knit group, Mr Hicks said.

Despite attending so many emergencies, he still got a bit of a rush when they were called out.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the time you make the call but it still gives you a bit of an adrenaline [rush]. One day I guess it might wear off."

Mr Hicks said he would probably keep volunteering for at least the next four or five years.

He plans to compete in the Australasian firefighting competition in Carterton in two years' time "if my knees still carry me".