Senior firefighter Andy Fairhall, pictured with Taupō MP Louise Upston, was awarded a 2-year silver bar for 19 years’ service.
Members of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade were described as ‘champions and everyday heroes’ by Taupō MP Louise Upston at their annual honours evening.
The event celebrated the efforts of firefighters and brigade supporters during a year fire chief Dennis Hunt said was projected to set new records.
He said the brigade continued to experience increased demand as Cambridge grows. A total of 416 callouts were recorded in the first 10 months of the year, an increase on the 345 made over the same period during the previous year. He said July was the busiest month, with 52 callouts made.
“This year is projected to set new records for our station.”
Honoured guests included former Lyceum Club members. They are, standing, Mary Shaw, Kaye Pollock, Dianne Murdoch, Glenda Little, Daphne Caddie, and Susanne Whitehead. Seated are Casandra Suckling, Pat Harbutt, Cynthia Graham, Lyndsay Mason, Barbara Fisher and Florence Monson. Photo: Viv Posselt
Hunt thanked the firefighters and their families, employers who readily allowed their staff to leave at the sound of the siren, and the various businesses, charitable organisations, groups and individuals who continue to support the brigade.
He commended firefighters for “volunteering hundreds of hours at monthly meetings, training nights, working bees, and at various community events,” and for being available to respond to callouts at any time of day or night.
Among the guests were Taupō MP Louise Upston, Waipā mayor Mike Pettit attending his first official mayoral function, Liz Stolwyk and Jo Davies-Colley, who were also newcomers to their respective roles – Stolwyk on the Waikato Regional Council and Davies-Colley as Waipā’s new deputy mayor.
Waipa’s newly-minted mayor and mayoress Mike and Nic Pettit at their first official outing. Photo: Viv Posselt
Liz Stolwyk and her husband Andrew Reymer, with Waipā deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley. Photo: Viv Posselt
Fire and Emergency NZ group manager Waikato Alan Doherty was also there, as were representatives from Hamilton and Chartwell brigades, whom Hunt said had worked more closely with the Cambridge brigade over the past year.
Particular mention was given to a contingent of women from the former Lyceum Club, which closed in 2024 after 84 years. They were there as honoured guests after the club donated $165,000 to the brigade. The money was part of funds raised through the sale of the club’s Dick St property and distributed to five Cambridge organisations.
Hunt said the windfall was the largest single donation the brigade has received. He also commended the Leamington Rugby Club for a fundraising venture that netted the brigade $31,000 from the sale of rugby jerseys.
Mike Pettit noted his 17 year-plus involvement with the brigade through his years at Cambridge Primary School and gave the assurance that the relationship would continue. He thanked the firefighters and brigade supporters, and said council was deeply appreciative of the work they do in the community.
Sharing a joke with Mike Pettit is qualified firefighter Bruce Bester, who received a 5-year service medal. Photo: Viv Posselt
Upston noted that the brigade’s work went far beyond just fighting fires… it encompassed community and education opportunities, and an increased number of medical events.
“I know that is one of the areas that is increasingly challenging, and is not one you signed up for,” she said.
She related an incident last year where she witnessed a fatal road accident first hand, called 111 and noticed how firefighters were first on the scene.
“I think about that and recognise your willingness to attend these incidences any time the siren goes off, not knowing what you will face. In my view you are champions for the community… everyday heroes. Thank you.”
Taupō MP Louise Upston with station officer Phil Johnston who was awarded a 2-year gold bar for 31 years’ service. Photo: Viv Posselt
The United Fire Brigades Association honours presented were:
Two-year gold bars – chief fire officer Dennis Hunt (37 years), station officer Phil Johnston (31 years). Two-year silver bars – Andy Fairhall (19 years), Derek Holm (9 years), and Sam Kelleher and Michael Morton (both 7 years).
Five-year service medals – Bruce Bester and Hendricks Arts, and three-year certificates – Hendricks Arts, Hayden Goodwin, Ash Hammond (absent), Caleb Hassman, Regan Phillips, Geoff Leslie and ex-member Levi Gerrand, presented to his father Richie Gerrand on his behalf.
FENZ group manager Waikato Alan Doherty with new Waipā mayor Mike Pettit. Photo: Viv Posselt
Senior firefighter Andy Fairhall, pictured with Taupō MP Louise Upston, was awarded a 2-year silver bar for 19 years’ service. Photo: Viv Posselt
