Firefighters Honoured for their Service

By Frank Neill

(Fire brigade 1): Just after receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on 16 September Ben Carson (left) and Simon Black (centre) with Matt Franklin, who presented them the medals.

Ōtaki firefighters were recognized for their service at the Fire Brigade’s honours evening on 16 September.

Two firefighters – Simon Black and Ben Carson – were presented the New Zealand Fire Brigade’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medals by Matt Franklin, the Acting Assistant Commander of the Wellington Fire District.

This medal is awarded to firefighters who have completed 14 years of meritorious service.

It is bestowed under a Royal Warrant to firefighters to recognise their invaluable service to

the community.

“We do this job because we really do care for our community, our whānau,” Simon told the

“Ōtaki Mail” after he received his medal.

“When you save lives and you save houses and you make a difference to lives, it makes it

all worthwhile,” he said, referring to the many hours volunteer firefighters give to the

community and the fact that they are on call day and night when they need to drop

everything and respond to a callout.

More than 80% of New Zealand’s firefighters are volunteers, he noted.

“The contribution of all of us in this country is absolutely incredible.

“There are so many different aspects to fire fighting. We do much more than fire fighting.”

That also includes attending medical emergencies and fire alarm activations.

“It truly is emergency services,” he said.

Simon was living in Foxton Beach when he first became a firefighter and served there for

almost two years before moving to Waikanae. After about five and a half years with the

Waikanae Vounteer Fire Brigade he moved to Ōtaki and joined the brigade here.

Along with the hard mahi, there are also benefits to joining the fire brigade, Simon said.

“You pick up a lot of life skills,” and the brigade “is just like family.

“It is just so enoyable [being part of the Ōtaki brigade] because of the people.

“We help each other in all aspects of our lives. It’s a complete family in itself,” he said.

Providing invaluable community service is also the reason Ben is a volunteer firefighter.

“I’m a proud member [of the Ōtaki Vounteer Fire Brigade],” he said.

“And I’m proud to serve the community.”

All Ben’s 14 years of service has been with the Ōtaki brigade.

Five firefighters were presented silver bars to their five-year service medal by Bob Strong, the Past President of the Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kāpiti Fire Brigade Sub Asssociation.

Brent Bythell was presented his silver bar for 52 years’ service, Mike Watson for 21 years’ service, Donny Watson for 19 years’ service and Kieran Bloxham and Gavin LaFrentz for 9 years’ service.

Four firefighters have also received service honours, but were not present at the honours evening.

Gaylene Rogers has been awarded the five year medal, and three silvers bars have been awarded to Callum McMurchie for 17 years’ service, Geoff Warwick for 13 years’ service and Mike Alderton for 9 years’ service.

The five year medal and the silver bar are awarded for service by the United Fire Brigades

Association.

Following the presentation the Chair of the Ōtaki Community Board, Cam Butler, thanked the

award recipients for their service to the community.

“These guys are fantastic,” he said.

“When the fire siren goes off they drop everything to respond.

“That’s why Ōtaki is so lucky to have you.

“At the drop of a hat you have to leave your safety and go.

“We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough for the amount of work you guys do.

“Thank you very much from the community and the community board,” Mr Butler said.

(Fire brigade 2): The recipient of awards for their service to firefighting with the two presenters (from left) Bob Strong, Mike Watson, Ben Carson, Simon Black, Kieran Bloxham, Donny Watson, Brent Bythell, Matt Franklin and Gavin LaFrentz.