Gisborne man among latest firefighter graduates

The 22 firefighters who graduated from Fire and Emergency NZ's National Training Centre in Rotorua, including Robert Ford (second row, second from right), who will be based in Gisborne.

A Gisborne man was among 22 candidates who graduated from Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s National Training Centre in Rotorua this week as a fully fledged career firefighter.

Robert Ford, 39, will be based in Gisborne.

The candidates learned the skills associated with fighting fires, extricating trapped people from vehicles, managing hazardous substances, and search and rescue.

They also practised navigating through smoke-filled spaces while wearing breathing apparatus.

Ford was born in England and spent most of his life in Los Angeles, where he worked in film set and prop decoration until he moved to New Zealand in 2021.

“I’ve been a creative problem-solver for all my working life,” he said. “When I discovered that my skillset could be applied towards those in need, I felt a real drive to be a part of this team.

“I wanted a job that I could look back at and say that I contributed to this country and left it in a better place for my kids.”

The Urban Search and Rescue part of the course was Ford’s favourite.

“It was the most physically demanding part, but also the most insightful.

“It really demonstrated how your crew becomes an extension of your whānau.”

Fire and Emergency has congratulated the successful candidates, saying: “Nau mai ki te whānau - welcome to the family.”

Ford starts at the Gisborne Fire Station on July 1 as part of the station’s Red Watch.