Gisborne firefighting stalwart Peter Carroll retires after 45 years

"Working with and meeting so many good people has made it all worthwhile." Senior Station Officer Peter Carroll, recently retired after 45 years as a firefighter, mostly in Tairāwhiti, gave these parting words.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand in Gisborne recently farewelled one of the district’s longest-serving firefighters, Senior Station Officer Peter Carroll.

PC, as he was known by his colleagues, retired after more than 45 years of dedicated service with Fire and Emergency.

He started as a volunteer in Gisborne while at Gisborne Boys’ High School, then later in Ruatōria.

Carroll joined the career ranks in 1986 in Gisborne and moved to Rotorua in 2002.

“PC served both the Rotorua and Gisborne communities with pride and professionalism,” a Facebook post read on the Tairāwhiti Fire and Emergency – NZ page.

During his career, Peter progressed through the ranks to become a Station Officer in Rotorua before moving back to Gisborne, where he worked initially in fire safety.

“Not long after, the opportunity arose for him to step into the role of Senior Station Officer in Gisborne, where he spent the last 19 years of his career,” the Facebook post read.

“Peter has always been a man of integrity – a true professional and a ‘safe pair of hands’, who could be relied upon in any situation. His calm leadership, experience and commitment to the job have left a lasting impact on those he worked alongside.

“From everyone in the Gisborne station and district, thank you Peter for your years of service, dedication and leadership. Enjoy your well-earned retirement – you will be missed.”

Carroll told the Gisborne Herald on Friday that he was enjoying his retirement.

“To be honest, though, I’ve never been so busy.”

He and his wife have a Rotorua property they have been working on.

“But we’ll be coming back regularly to catch up with friends at our Gisborne home.”

Of his 40-plus years of service to the Gisborne community, he said it had been a pleasure to help people.

“Working with and meeting so many good people has made it all worthwhile.

“As for my fellow firefighters, it’s been a privilege. I’m sure they will keep up the good work.”