Two more Gold Stars for Mangonui Fire Brigade

Firefighter Brian Gillespie (left, with wife Gail) and former deputy Chief Fire Officer Justin Muller (and Ilisa Foley), who have added their names to the Mangonui Fire Brigade's Gold Star recipients.

Two more Gold Stars were added to the Mangonui Volunteer Fire Brigade's history on Saturday night.

Former deputy Chief Fire Officer Justin Muller and Firefighter Brian Gillespie (who has now embarked upon well-earned retirement) received the medals at the brigade's annual honours night, in recognition of 25 years' service.

The medals were pinned to the recipients' tunics by Volunteer Support Officer Colin Kitchen, representing the Auckland Provincial and Northland Sub-Association of the United Fire Brigades' Association, while other presentations were made by Alan Kerrisk (Muriwhenua area of the NZ Fire Service), Mayor John Carter (on behalf of the Far North District Council), Mr and Mrs Bill Whitehorn (Gold Star Association) and Chief Fire Officer Antony Pedersen (on behalf of the brigade).

Mr Pedersen also presented a life membership medal to Mr Gillespie.

Earlier in the evening Mr Carter presented Mr Pedersen with a 14-year long service and good conduct medal. He also received a two-year silver bar for 17 years' service.

The other brigade members who were recognised were Station Officer Bill Whitehorn (two-year gold bar for 45 years' service), Station Officer Pete Sainsbury (two-year gold bar, 27 years), Senior Firefighter Colin Mercer (two-year silver bar, 21 years), Support Officer Alan Moros (two-year silver bar, nine years), Qualified Firefighter Joseph Leslie (silver bar, nine years), and Firefighter Terry Knight (two-year silver bar, seven years).