Te Horo firefighters reach 100 years of service
Otaki MP and Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy acknowledged 100 years of voluntary fire service at the Te Horo Gold Star fire awards on Saturday night.
“Local firefighters Glenn Burt, Nick Gawler, Mervyn Sutton and Brian Blakeley have 100 years of combined service fighting fires.
“These guys started the Te Horo Rural Fire Force over 25 years ago with just a Landrover and a trailer. They now have decent equipment, 18 members and assist throughout the region as they did recently with the major scrub fire in Titahi Bay.”
Mr Guy acknowledged the sacrifices their wives and families had made as the men were always keen to respond to any call outs.
“They also have understanding employers who have been prepared to let them down their tools when the siren goes to keep our communities safe.
“As the Minister of Internal Affairs overseeing fire legislation, this is one of my most rewarding jobs – acknowledging the hard work and service that makes Fire Brigades the heart of communities.”