After 27 years at the helm of one of the Bay of Plenty's busiest fire brigades, Maketu fire chief Shane Beech is retiring. We caught up with him at the Maketu fire station.
After 27 years at the helm of one of the Bay of Plenty's busiest fire brigades, Maketu fire chief Shane Beech is retiring.
Mr Beech will step down from his role leading the volunteer brigade on July 1, allowing six months for the New Zealand Fire Service to find andtrain his replacement.
''I took a bit from John Key's retirement actually. He left at a good time for him at the peak of his careers. I'm at my own peak. I've achieved my goals - the brigade is fit and healthy, the building is great, the vehicles are in great shape.''
Maketu fire chief Shane Beech packs some of his gear after announcing he is stepping down as fire chief. Photo/George Novak
Last year, Mr Beech was formally honoured with a Queen's Service Medal for his services to the Fire Service. He was awarded a national Certificate of Appreciation for his commitment and services to search and rescue.
Mr Beech has been part of the brigade for 27 years, and either deputy chief or chief of it for 24 of those years.
Mr Beech said he intended to remain in the brigade and planned to ''still be jumping in the big red truck helping people where I can, that part won't change''.
Aside from his role as fire chief, Mr Beech also runs the Maketu Coastguard, Maketu Beach Holiday Park, Maketu Beachside Cafe and Restaurant while also serving as Chairman of Maketu's community ward on Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
''I'm very keen on local politics and moving along in that area. And you've got to give up something to get more don't you?''
Mr Beech said his news came as a shock to the brigade when he told them of his plans at their last meeting.
"You could have heard a pin drop. But once I explained the reasons and why they came around and understood what I was trying to do,'' Mr Beech said.
Mr Beech has been a driving force in the development of the Maketu Brigade from a small team with one fire appliance to a team that now included a modern pump, a light rescue tender for road accidents and a dedicated ambulance.
I'm very keen on local politics and moving along in that area. And you've got to give up something to get more don't you?
Mr Beech said the last 18 months had involved some of worst call outs of his career.
"There have been some pretty horrific ones that are hard to shake off your mind, but the good ones are there too where you're helping people most in need. They have a smile on their face and are grateful you've done something for them. Hopefully we help make their lives a bit better."
Mr Beech's departure as fire chief comes as a new Fire Service structure is introduced, involving an amalgamation of all fire fighting services in New Zealand. The FENZ Transition also incorporates the changes to a firefighter's role these days, officially including firefighters responding to car crashes and assisting with medical or first aid incidents.
Maketu fire chief Shane Beech is stepping down after 27 years in service. Photo/George Novak
