Tributes flow for Gold Star firefighters

Two long-serving firefighters were feted at Taipa on Saturday night when they received their Gold Star decorations for 25 years' service.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Sainsbury and Station Officer Andrew Olsen were the 11th and 12th members of the Mangonui Fire Brigade to reach the milestone, and the 7051st and 7110th nationally.

Mangonui's previous Gold Star recipients were Robin Walter (in 1991), Gordon Matthews, Dennis Hewitt (still serving in Kamo), Harold Henderson, Pat Thompson, Graeme Taylor, Alan Dow, Ron Sainsbury, Larry Matthews and Gary Smith.

Without exception those who spoke and presented awards to the two new Gold Star holders acknowledged not only their commitment but also the support they had received from their families, without which their service would not have been possible.

Volunteer Support Officer Colin Kitchen noted that SO Olsen joined the Fire Service in Auckland in 1987, and had arrived at Mangonui armed with a huge amount of experience. CFO Sainsbury had joined Mangonui in 1988, succeeding his father Ron as CFO in 2006, and over the ensuing quarter of a century had achieved an attendance rate of 97.6 per cent.

"That would just about be a New Zealand record," Mr Kitchen said.

"That shows his commitment to making his community a safer place.

Those who spoke included Marsden Jones, past president of the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigade Gold Star Association, who told the two new initiates that they and their fire brigade colleagues were doing a "fabulous" job, although it was their wives and families who were the unsung heroes. Northland Fire Brigade Sub-Association past president Lex Caulder also acknowledged the contribution made by firefighters' employers.

"Without them we can't do what we do," he said.

Mayor John Carter described fire brigades as a great example of local people serving their local communities.

"If ever there was a group of people who look after their community it's you," he said.

"The service you give is outstanding, and while two of you have received Gold Stars, four of you made that happen."

SO Olsen replied that the Fire Service had given him the chance to do what he loved the most.

"It's been a great experience for 25 years," he said.

"It's the fire brigade. It's fun. This brigade has some very talented people. It's a job where you have good mates and good times."

CFO Sainsbury acknowledged all who had supported him, including his former employer Bruce Wheaton, who at one point employed no fewer than six brigade members, "a huge commitment for one business," and now John Caples, who kept his own business ticking over while he responding to calls.

"You can't do what you have to do if you haven't got people behind you," he said.

Additional honours

Other brigade members honoured included Firefighter Terry Knight (five-year medal), SO Larry Matthews (two-year gold bar for 31 years) and SO Bill Whitehorn (two-year gold bar for 43 years).

Two-year silver bars were presented to SO Alan Moros (seven years), FF Joe Leslie (seven years), FF Andy Hamberger (nine years), SO Mark Gummer (15 years), Senior SO Ant Pedersen (15 years), FF Logan Taylor (19 years), SFF Colin Mercer (19 years), SFF Les Barclay (23 years), deputy CFO Justin Muller (23 years) and FF Brian Gillespie (23 years).