Recognition for a lifetime of good deeds
As a community-minded man, Bruce Thompson does what he can to help his neighbours flourish and support them through their darkest times.
After a lifetime of good deeds the 83-year-old has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for more than 55 years of firefighting, 32 years in local government and 60 years supporting the arts and local fundraisers at his family theatre.
Thompson said it never entered his mind that the honour could be on the cards. The medal caused a shock to him and his wife,
Lesley.
¯Joiningtheo hakune
Volunteer Fire Brigade when he was 26, Thompson earned his double
Gold Star medal for 50 years. He’s one of two people to get the medal over the brigade’s history, with no thoughts of hanging up his helmet.
‘‘In a small volunteer brigade it’s 24-7. You’re never not on duty,’’ Thompson said. ‘‘For 56 years, when the siren’s gone, I’ve run.
‘‘It’s all a part of the lifestyle. I’m very thankful to my wife and family. They’ve never complained.’’
Thompson is always at the station whenever the siren calls preparing the operation support vehicle, tidying the kitchen and supporting his fellow volunteers.
Often it’s with a bowl of his famous saveloys and tomato sauce for crew training.
It’s become a family affair, with his son, son-inlaw and granddaughter being drawn to their local brigades.
Growing up a stone’s throw away in Raetihi, Thompson was born and raised in the snowy town, raising his three children in the township, where he took over his family’s movie theatre.
He and his wife supported local fundraisers and schools through showings.
He was also instrumental in helping hakune’s move towards being a ski town as councillor and then deputy mayor. Thompson continued to serve Waimarino and Ruapehu as a councillor, then a community board member, until 2009.