Area manager Jeff Maunder and mayor Steve Chadwick thank the group.
Long-serving Rotorua firefighters gathered with their families, colleagues, and the mayor at the city's fire station this afternoon, where they were honoured for decades of service.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand area manager Jeff Maunder thanked the 14 recipients before mayor Steve Chadwick presented their medals and clasps.
"In thedays where a lot of the focus is on self, for people to spend a lot of time in the service of one organisation is quite something," Maunder said.
Chadwick said last year's April floods demonstrated the extent of the Rotorua firefighters' selflessness.
"I was incredibly impressed at how calm their heads were... It was no joke that night when we heard what had unfolded."
"You sometimes have to sacrifice spending time with friends and family, but I will keep going as long as I am fit and able because I have a passion for helping others.
"It is something I am proud of and my family is proud of."
Galvan said females had no reason to feel intimidated by the male majority if they wanted to join Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
"Just get in touch with your local station. You will learn some great skills."
The New Zealand Fire Brigades' Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded to uniformed members after 14 years, and a clasp is added for every seven years of service after that.
It is the only medal that is issued to fire and emergency services by the Queen, for their service.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, 14 years Dean Irwin Rotorua Kereama Katu Rotorua Barry Hogan Rotorua Lynette Galvan Rotorua Ken Austin Kāingaroa Richard Haunui Kāingaroa Kevin Bryant Kāingaroa Stuart Lyall Lake Ōkareka Gary Benfell Rotorua (23 years service completed)
Medal and First Clasp, 21 years Mike Baillie Rotorua Nigel Baker Rotorua Phil Muldoon Lake Ōkareka Janet Scott Lake Tarawera
Medal First Clasp and Second Clasp, 28 years Brett Bosley Lake Tarawera
