Recognising local firefighters

The annual Te Awamutu Fire Brigade awards night is a chance for the brigade to celebrate the successes and achievements of the volunteers who protect the community.

Held last month, the awards were attended by a number of Fire Service and community officials, including King Country Taranaki MP Barbara Kuriger.

It is also an opportunity for the brigade to acknowledge support for the brigade from the business community.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Campbell made two presentations, the first to Bowers & Son Limited for their support and donation to the brigade and Hammond & Moir Chartered Accountants for ongoing community support.

The major awards were: Special Award for Combat Achievement, Firefighter Isabel Whitaker; Brigade Attendance Cup, (a three-way tie) Deputy Chief Fire Officer Karl Tutty, Station Officer Operational Support Murry Gillard, Senior Firefighter Danny Smith; Brigade Crew Cup, Mahuta Crew; Brigade Excellence Award, Operational Support Ken Callander, Brigade Firefighter of the Year, Senior Firefighter Dave Shaw.

Service awards: three years’ Service: Firefighters Jarrod Spicer, Isabel Whitaker, Henry Whitaker, Raj Karumeni.

Five years’ Service medal: Firefighter Ngaia Henry.

Two year Silver Bar —

Seven Years’ Service: Qualified Firefighter Christie Anderson.

Two year Silver Bar — 17 Years’ Service: Qualified Firefighter Geoff Baker, Senior Station Officer Ed Hopping.

Two year Silver Bar — 19 Years’ Service: Deputy Chief Fire Officer Karl Tutty.

Two year Silver Bar — 21

Years’ Service: Station Officer Colin Munro, Senior Station Officer Glenn Anderson.

Two year Gold Bar — 29 Years’ Service: Senior Firefighter Rob Willey, Senior Firefighter Dave Shaw.

Two year Gold Bar — 33 Years’ Service: Senior Firefighter Grant Mitchell.

Two year Gold Bar — 37 Years’ Service: Chief Fire

Officer Ian Campbell.

Two year Gold Bar — 39 Years’ Service: Senior Station Officer Lex Soepnel.

Two year Gold Bar — 49 Years’ Service: Station Officer Operational Support Murry Gillard.

1st Clasp to LSGC Medal for 21 years: Station Officer Colin Munro, Senior Station Officer Glenn Anderson.

Photos / Supplied Firefighter of year, and recipient of the Ray Bailey Memorial Trophy, Senior Firefighter Dave Shaw and wife Jude.

Excellence Award recipient was Operational Support Firefighter Ken Callander (right), pictured with Chief Fire Officer Ian Campbell.