After almost two decades of dedicated service to St John, Tauranga man Jeremy Gooders has been chosen to receive one of the organisation's most prestigious honours. Mr Gooders, who is the district operations manager for the Bay of Plenty/Tarawhiti area, will receive a St John Honour at an investiture ceremony tomorrow. Taurangawoman Jane Swainson will also be made an Officer of the Order of St John - an honour given to people who have "acted conspicuously" in carrying out the organisation's mission to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to enhance health and well-being. Regional order matters co-ordinator Harmen Van Weerden said Mr Gooders was a hard working and loyal ambassador for St John. He had been responsible for considerable fundraising towards equipment and resources for the area since he joined in 1990. "He is well respected by both the community and his colleagues," Mr Van Weerden said. Ms Swainson is a volunteer ambulance officer stationed at Tauranga and is an elected representative for Tauranga ambulance volunteers. She is the chairwoman of the Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Area committee, with which she's been involved for six years. Mr Van Weerden says she has played a key role in the progression of property development for St John. The Order of St John was established as a Royal Order of Chivalry in the 1800s, and is an independent part of the New Zealand Royal Honours System. The New Zealand Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, who is also the Head of the Order of St John, will preside over the service. Do you know someone who should be featured as one of our Community Heroes? You can send your nomination in by text on 021 439 968, write to the editor at PO Box 12002 or email editor@bopp.co.nz
