Fire Brigade Report

By Chief Fire Officer Jake Hawkins

What a year it has been for our Brigade. I am so proud of the dedication shown by our fantastic Firefighters and Medical Responders.

In 2023 we attended a TOTAL of 325 calls. 

A massive 251 Medical Responses was included in that total, making us the busiest First Response unit in New Zealand!

I cannot say how lucky our community is to have all these people so generously give their time to train and be there any hour of the day or night to help in your hour of need. Already this year we have completed 25 Medical calls as part of 32 calls in total, and it’s just the end of the month.

We were able to celebrate this service during our Honours Night late last year, which provides a little recognition to our members and included another 25 Year Gold Star awarded in our Brigade, to Station Officer Chris Hooson.

During the year we have lost three members who have moved out of the district and we thank Station Officer Justin Hudepohl, QFF Callam Tannant, and QFF Tamara Hudepohl for all their time and service. 

I know they are being snapped up on transfer by their local Brigades.

The loss of these members to other towns means we are on the lookout for both Firefighters and Medical Responders, especially during the weekdays. 

If you want to know more please contact me or come down on a Tuesday night for a chat, we start our years training on Tuesday 13 February.

On the training front, congratulations to Dylan Ross for completing his Qualified Firefighter Course, the first course completed in 2024 by the Brigade. 

The District is in a TOTAL FIRE BAN currently and we have already attended several large vegetation fires,\. Please be vigilant operating machinery, and if you are not sure check www.checkitsalright.nz which has all the up-to-date information and advice around fires.