Pioneering Lola is thanked by firefighting colleagues and Tararua community

Noel and Lola Percy were stalwarts of the of the Te Uri Rural Fire Force and inaugural members of the fire crew. Noel was controller of the rural fire force and Lola the deputy, for 21 years.

In the 1990s after a homestead close to Lola and Noel Percy's home at Te Uri burned to the ground, with engines having to travel from Dannevirke and Porangahau, Lola put her efforts into setting up the Te Uri Rural Fire Force.

Lolo and Tony Parker got together and purchased a 1975 Dodge for $28 - the cost of the change of ownership - paid for by Tararua District Council.

Originally based in the Percy's' garage, the engine eventually moved to a shed built by the council. Lola and Noel built a fence around the area, Lola looked after the garden and both of them kept the grounds tidy.

Clayton Locke, deputy rural fire chief for Fire and Emergency New Zealand for Wairarapa and Tararua presents Lola Percy with a plaque in appreciation of her 21 years service to the Te Uri rural fire force on Saturday. This is the last plaque to be presented in New Zealand.

She recalls they only once a problem with the engine. A starling had built a nest in the he suction space of the pump.

Te Uri had that engine for 14 years and let it go only in 2010.

"It had tears in its head lamps,'' she laughs. "Little Flick, as it was nicknamed, was replaced with a brand new engine but local firefighters were a little sad.''

And Lola said she refused to be treated like a lady.

Paddy Driver, the former Tararua principal rural fire chief, with Lola Percy, the now retired deputy controller of the Te Uri rural fire force, at Rahiri on Saturday.

"I just wanted to be part of the group," she said.

Last year when rural and urban fire brigades were amalgamated into Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Lola stood down as the deputy controller of the brigade, a role she'd held for all 21 years of the Te Uri Rural Fire Force.

Last Saturday, representatives from the Akitio, Herbertville and Porangahau fire forces, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and friends and family came together at Rahiri Care Home in Dannevirke where Lola now lives, to celebrate her huge commitment to the fire force and her community.

"Lola has always been a keen and willing firefighter. The turnout today shows how much she's appreciated," Paddy Driver, the former Tararua rural principal rural fire chief, said.

"I can remember seeing her ripping up a bank at fire exercises, with a pack and a hose on her back, while younger firefighters looked on."

Paddy said his fondest memory of Lola was during a fire exercise at Te Uri.

Tararua District mayor, Tracey Collis, acknowledged the huge commitment Lola Percy has made to rural firefighting in our community.

"The pump operator was having trouble and all of a sudden water flew out of the connection and lifted Lola off her feet and five feet into the air. She landed safely, thank goodness," he said.

Paddy said it had been a privilege to work with Lola and husband Noel, the Te Uri fire controller.

"She's been fantastic and it won't be the same without her. Te Uri Station was always the cleanest and tidiest station and Lola and Noel kept the grounds immaculate. And they always took part in the Dannevirke Christmas parade and were on hand at the A&P Show. I really appreciate the 21 years they've both put in."

Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said: with our wide geographical area it was critical to have the services of trained fire force personnel.

"We're fortunate to have people caring for their community when they are needed the most," she said.

"Lola joined at a time when there weren't many women in the fire service. She paved the way and was dedicated, giving countless hours to the service."

Clayton Locke, deputy rural fire chief for Fire and Emergency New Zealand for Wairarapa and Tararua, described Lola as "my most fiercest boss."

"I've really enjoyed your stories Lola, and you have done so much," he said.

Donna De'Admin, of the Akitio Rural Fire Force, had instigated the appreciation afternoon and said she'd known the Percys for 23 years.

"It's been a real privilege to know you both and we all love you both very, very much," she said.

Mike Watson, of Porangahau Volunteer Fire Brigade, said he and the Percys also go back a long way.

"Lola put in a lot of work. You would be carrying that pump which we couldn't even lift and it's been a great journey knowing you through the fire service," he said.

In 2010, during an interview with the Dannevirke News, Lola described one horrifying moment in her life, many years ago, when she almost needed the help of firefighters.

She had stopped at a give way at Matamau and was hit from behind by a truck loaded with 450 sheep.

"The car caught fire and I couldn't get out. I took my boot off to break the window and the truckie opened the passenger door and I fell out. I realised I didn't have my purse and went back to get it,'' she said.

"All I had was a mark on the back of my coat from the impact and I went to work the next day.''

That's the Lola rural firefighter colleagues know - tough and unflinching, and never one to step back.