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There was more than a touch of gold at the Wellsford Community Centre on Saturday, September 17, when two members of the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade were honoured for their 25 years of service.
The Gold Star recipients were Des Hansen and Matt Railey, who join an elite group of firefighters in the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Gold Star Association. They became Wellsford’s 25th and 26th Gold Star recipients and were also made life members.
Hansen started as a volunteer at Te Atatu, then served six years with Mahurangi East before shifting to Wellsford just over 17 years ago. His turnout rate average is 89.5%. Railey, a self-employed builder, joined the Wellsford brigade when he was just 19 and has averaged an 82% turnout rate over the past 26 years.
Chief fire officer Trevor Bowmar congratulated the Gold Star recipients for their service and acknowledged the huge role played by the families of all volunteers. Partners Tracey Hansen and Donna Railey were singled out for special mention on the night.
“We would struggle without the support and sacrifice you and your families make,” Bowmar said.
He also acknowledged the challenges of the past few years of Covid and the pressure it had put on people.
The evening’s proceedings included two one-minute silences – one for the Queen and the other for members who had passed away since the last honours night held in 2020.
Fire and Emergency NZ group manager Scott Marchant said that between September 1 last year and August 31 this year, Wellsford had responded to 232 calls. The average firefighter had contributed around 240 hours, either in callouts or training, which equalled about six working weeks a year.
“This represents an incredible service to the community,” he said.
One guest described firefighters as ordinary people with extraordinary hearts, who could make a difference that lasted a lifetime.
A special thank you was extended to all the local employers who allowed their staff to respond to the callouts during work times, as well as those self-employed members who do not get paid when the fire siren calls.
Award recipients were:
3 yr certificate – Bridget Whyte; 5 Year Medal – Kaitlin Bowmar, Rhys Bright, Rob Peck, Caleb Gamble. Daniel Webber and Ariana Billington; 2 yr bar for 7 yrs service – Logan Mason and Shannon Te Amo; 2 yr bar for 9 yrs service – Josh Connolly, Alastair McConnachie and James Burnby; 2yr bar for 13 yrs service – Karl Davis and Lyndon Baird; 2 yr bar for 15 yrs service – Lynette Jones; 2 yr bar for 17 yrs service – Tarah Jones; 2 yr bar for 19 yrs service – Trish Whitehead and Trent Jones; 2 yr gold bar for 29 yrs service – Kerry Tupp and Lisa Greenwood; 2 yr gold bar for 31 yrs service – Steven Greenwood and Richard Connolly; 2 yr gold bar for 33 yrs service – Trevor Bowmar.
Stirrers Shovel – Bridget Whyte; Smilley Stevenson Trophy (aka Connolly Cup) – Kerry Tupp & Kaitlin Bowmar (2021), Trish Whitehead and Karl Davis (2022); Wynton Hart Trophy – Trevor Bowmar & Matt Brown (2021), Buddah Connolly and Rhys Bright (2022); Roy Trail Trophy for Firefighter of the Year – Lynley Searle; Stevenson Trophy for Most Improved – Lyndon Baird and Lynley Searle; Cox Trophy for Officer of the Year –Trevor Bowmar; Elmanak-Andrews Helmet for attendance – Rob Peck; John Cowpland Memorial Trophy for best presented firefighter of the year – Kerry Tupp; Reg Phillips Sky Tower Challenge Trophy – Caleb Gamble; DJ’s Biggest Kahawai Caught – Bradley Bowmar (2021), Matt Railey (2022); Waterways Competition – Rob Peck.
