Pride of NZ Awards: Dedicated man of the people

Gary Scurr.

Gary Scurr - Lifetime Achievement

Gary Scurr is a humble hero. Despite being nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award by more than one person, he doesn't think he deserves it.

His nomination comes from dedicating more than 30 years to St John and supporting his Pukekohe community.

While Mr Scurr's job as ambulance officer isn't in a voluntary capacity, he mentors and trains others during his own time and works alongside his wife Miriam helping Camp Quality.

"His compassion for all people, his sense of humour and passion for helping the people in his community is why he is deserving of this award and acknowledgment," his nominator said.

Mrs Scurr adds, "sometimes it takes us an hour to get to the shops because of how many people approach him in the street to thank him for his work".

Mr Scurr started as a cadet with St John, age 10.

When he was 16, he started helping his dad, who was a St John ambulance officer for 44 years.

Soon, other St John officers recognised Mr Scurr's enthusiasm and poached him for their own units.

Over the years, Mr Scurr has trained many volunteers, many of whom have "gone frontline and become leaders".

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Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
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