Garry’s involvement with the brigade began through his good friend being a member of the brigade.
“They were looking for volunteers and he talked me into it. I thought, “why not?” and moved on.
“The brigade became like a second family to me. We share the feeling of adrenaline when the sirens sound, and when it’s all over, there is a sense of great satisfaction that we have saved lives and property.
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“When a serious incident happens, there is a debriefing afterwards, and talking about it brings us closer together. There is a sense of fulfillment in helping the city and the community.”
Garry has attended some of the district’s biggest fires, including Waipukurau Hospital.
“It was a big fire, we were there for a few days and it was amazing how it was still burning. The next big thing was the Waipawa Four Square fire and of course the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.”
“To do this job, you have to have your family behind you. When the siren sounds, you drop everything – leaving behind things that need to be picked up.
He advises anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to “come and see – see if it’s for you.” Training and skills can benefit both you and the brigade.”
Other Brigade awards were received by the following members: Ross Fraser, 3 years; Kylie Barnes, 7; Scott Marillier, 7; Scott Hain, 15; Theresa-Belle Whiting, 15; Aidan Greenwood, 17, and honorary member of the Leigh Whiting Brigade, 19.
Temari Taoro-Ashin – former deputy fire chief and brigade member – was awarded 19 years of service and the Honorary Brigade Member Medal.
Brigade Honors is an evening celebrating the sacrifices of firefighters and the families and communities that support them.
The effort that firefighters put into responding to incidents cannot be underestimated, ensuring their operational skills are up to date by attending training every Monday evening, as well as ensuring they are operationally ready when the siren sounds.
Garry and Diana Keeling with family at the Gold Star and Brigade Awards Evening.
The Waipawa Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for volunteers to join.
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Minimum age is 16, good fitness and upper body strength helps.
The bridge handles a variety of emergency events such as structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, environmental fires, and more.
This can be a busy and demanding role.
The brigade trains every Monday evening to maintain operational skills, and each member is tasked with keeping stations, facilities and equipment operationally ready.
The brigade invites anyone interested to contact Fire Chief Willy Christall or stop by the station on Monday evening to meet with brigade members.
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