Maketu¯ honours fire heroes
Firefighter of the Year award to the whole brigade for efforts during pandemic
After a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Maketu¯ Volunteer Fire Brigade honoured its own on Saturday. As well as brigade members, sponsors, local councillors and special guests were on hand to see the awards handed out.
Honours night was a special occasion for Salonica Eru and Jamie Gordon who were each presented with their long service good conduct medals (14 years).
After five years' service, bars are awarded every two years, and twoyear bars went to Kelvin Nathan and Tony Brown for seven years, Dan Batten (17 years) and Eric Ashe (27 years).
The award for the most fire calls attended was won by Darnie Tonge while Irene Cox attended the most trainings.
The Firefighter of the Year award went to the whole brigade in recognition of members' efforts during in the pandemic.
The Jack Beech Memorial Trophy went to Ross Bawden for the support over the last couple of years with donating of trees for to sell as firewood.
A special presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship was made to deputy chief fire officer Eric Ashe from Maketu¯ Rotary Club.
The club chose Eric for the award due to his service to the Maketu¯ community. The fellowship was established in 1957 to show appreciation to encourage, and recognise substantial contributions to The Rotary Foundation of US$1000.
Over the years Rotarians have also used The Paul Harris Fellowship to honour and recognise others who have contributed much to the community they live in in keeping with Rotary's principle of service above self.