Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrates 75th birthday

CELEBRATION: Firefighter Paul Osborne is being awarded a gold star for 25 years of service and the Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade is celebrating their 75th birthday this weekend. PHOTO/FILE

The Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade turns 75 this weekend and the public is invited to its birthday party.

The station will also reward some of its long-term staff including volunteer firefighter Paul Osborne, who will receive a gold star for 25 years in the service.

Mr Osborne said the crew would drive its fire trucks through the township from Ngongotaha Rd, opposite the Hawker Trucks Services, to the Ngongotaha Domain at 9.45am tomorrow.

At the domain there will be demonstrations from rural fire, New Zealand Police, Civil Defence and the New Zealand Fire Service.

"The station will be turned into a museum for the day and going into the evening there will be a reunion for past and present members, there will be an awards ceremony at the same time," Mr Osborne said.

He said it would be a great day out for the whole family as well as those who might be interested in joining the volunteer fire service.

"It's an interesting life. It's giving back to the community, if you've got a sense of wanting to give back to your community it's well worth it.

"We are looking for daytime staff as well, we struggle to get a crew from 8am to 5pm."

Display Schedule:
11am: Rural fire display
11.30am: Kitchen fire display
12.00pm: Police display
12.45pm: Kitchen fire display
1.00pm: Motor vehicle accident display
1.45pm: Civil Defence display
2.15pm: Kitchen fire display
2.30pm: Chopper takes off (TBC)

What: Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade 75th Jubilee
Where: Ngongotaha Domain
When: Saturday 9.45am to 3pm
Cost: Free