Celebration and Honours

In June we held our Fire Brigade Honours celebration. Our Chief Fire Officer Kevin Healy received his 25 Year Gold Star and Deputy Chief Ian Ford received two gold bars to his Gold Star in recognition of 35 and 37 years of service to the Waiatarua Brigade. Station Officer Steve Smith received two silver bars for 19 and 21 years service.

Kevin has been part of the Waiatarua Community since the 1990s. During this time he has been a part of the Drama Group, Residents & Ratepayers and as an elected member of the Waitakere Community Board. His involvement with the Fire Brigade started in 1995 when the Brigade was looking to put on a play, written by Tony Holt, to fundraise for the new Fire Station (still to be built at that point).

He had met Lyndsay Whittle and Tony Holt when out walking on local tracks. They managed to convince him to direct the play Phone 1125-J.  On Anzac Day 1996 the Waiatarua Volunteer Fire Brigade unleashed the first of it’s very successful plays into existence.  At the conclusion of the extended six-week season it was only natural that Kevin join the Fire Brigade. Several plays over the next couple of years raised around $50,000. As a result of the plays Kevin met Christine, 25 years and two children later, they are still involved with the Fire Brigade. Kevin progressed through the Fire Brigade, becoming Senior Fire Fighter, Station Officer and now Chief Fire Officer. Fire Service Honours began in 1878 and Kevin’s Gold Star is number 8,211.

At this same event Kevin was made a Life Honorary Member of the Brigade. His son Jack, who is also a Fire Fighter, presented him with the Life Honorary medal

Service honours represent a milestones, that signifies the volunteer time given in training and attending calls. And of course the Brigade thanks the families of our members for their much appreciated support.

Calls since 1 May 2021

5 Jun  – Chimney Fire, Scenic Drive

5 Jun – Car Accident, West Coast Road

30 Jun – Car Accident, Piha Road

Contacts

Always phone 111 for any fire or emergency.

To check if you need a permit to light a fire:  checkitsalright.nz (or 0800 658 628)

For our Brigade

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Healy (814 9505)

Deputy Chief Officer Ian Ford (814 8871)

Volunteer Brigade Support Christine Healy (Christine.healy@fireandemergency.nz)