NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
Papatowai Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade’s (PFB) first Queen’s & King’s Service presentation honoured no less than nine of its 16 members with long service and good conduct awards this month.
Accompanied by his wife Joanne, Te Kai group manager Rob Torrance presented the awards and service bars at the Lumberjack Bar and Cafe, Owaka on Saturday, September 2.
The ceremony was well attended by representatives from neighbouring fire brigades at Kaka Point, Waihola, Kaitangata, Waikawa and Tokanui and PFB CFO Tony Miller was one recipient of the long service award, after 15 years.
Papatowai Volunteer Fire Brigade has a long history of supporting local communities with continued emergency services, and recently welcomed two new recruits to join in as the team responds most often to vegetation fires, motor vehicle accidents and co-response to medical events.
‘‘It was a very warm and comfortable evening and we were proud to see such a gathering of quiet, reliable dedication and acknowledge it,’’ event coorganiser Dianne Miller said.
‘‘A special thank you to volunteer support officer Kevin Sutton and all our supporters for the effort to make the evening possible, and anyone interested in joining is welcome to come and take a look before committing.’’
