Shane Beech was recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list for his services to the NZ Fire Service. Photo / John Borren
It took a couple of days for the news that Shane Beech had been tapped to receive the Queen's Service Medal to sink in.
Maketu's Mr Beech has been recognised in this year's honours list for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service, as a volunteer firefighter with the
Maketu Fire Brigade since 1990 and as chief fire officer for the last 10 years.
"It was a huge surprise. I'm totally honoured with the whole thing and feel quite humbled by it," Mr Beech said.
It was being able to put something back into the community he loved that kept him going over the 25-odd years.
"I really love where I live and being able to put something back into it and hopefully make it a safer place to live."
