Fire Brigade
Martinborough Fire Brigade Members and Life Members. Seated: LM Graham Jacobson, LM Rowie Nelson, LM Graham Clark, LM Jim Harper, CFO Bill Butzbach, LM Ted Colenso, LM Richard Tannant, LM Harrie Materman, LM John Hunter, Second Row: SO Jake Hawkins, SO Phil Hawkins, SO Dean DiBona, SO Pete Fisher, QFF Lisa-Marie Ireland, QFF Jamie Brock, Zoe Sinclair, QFF Ian Smith, Kiwa Mitchel, FF Brett Pedersen, FF Andy Stuart, QFF Wayne Thomas, FF Mat Shackelton, Richard Geisler, FF Brad Aldridge Third Row: Tony Williams, QFF Lance Graves, Justin Hudepohl, FF Callum Tannant, Chris Hooson, FF Garry Jackson, Mike Lace Not Present: FF Brent Mackie, Honorary Members Bruce Johns, Ron Biel, Roger Castle, Ron Gillespie, Wayne Roper, Michael Thomas, Gordon Johnston, Sandy Pullar and Honorary Member Laurie Berger.
Photo by Donald Yee Photography
The year in review saw many changes within the Brigade. Garry Jackson made the difficult decision to retire from the position of Chief Fire Officer after 22 years in the role. On behalf of all members present, I take this opportunity to thank Garry for his extended service as leader of this Brigade and his continuing membership as a firefighter.
A summary of our achievements last year includes:
– The graduation with distinction of four Martinborough recruits from the Fire Services’ National Training Centre in Rotorua.
– Improvements to the operating practices of the brigade management committee.
– Streamlining our management and administration functions to allow more focus on operational training and planning.
– The unique appointment of Ric Geisler as Brigade Manager, Operational Support Services to manage the day to day running of the station. A first for any volunteer brigade in NZ.
– Improvements to our training programme with more focus on our operational skills maintenance.
– Upgraded mess facilities, training yard lighting and breathing apparatus cleaning bay.
– Establishment of a new social committee made up of current members, past members and spouses that are working very hard on behalf of all brigade members to foster and improve the important and unifying social aspects of brigade life.
The brigade responded to 87 emergency incidents during the year, slightly below the annual average of 93 callouts. Fires make up 33% of the brigades emergency response workload followed by Rescue and Medical incidents 24% and False Alarms 17%. Rescue and Medical calls increased by 19%.
In the year ahead we will build on the good work of the past year. We will place special emphasis on:
– Recruiting more non-operational support staff volunteers from within the community to free up more time for training, operational readiness and planning tasks for our firefighters.
– Achieving a full compliment of Emergency Response Drivers.
– Staff professional development and succession planning to ensure the MVFB membership base can remain sustainable for the long-term future.
To the Officers and Members of the MVFB, I commend you for your team spirit, for striving for such high standards of performance in all of your duties and for your selfless volunteer service to our Community.
W.A Butzbach (Bill),
Chief Fire Officer
Recent Comments