My Account
It was the end of an era for Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade this month, with the departure of long-serving Chief Fire Officer Shayne Kennedy for a new life in the South Island.
Tua, as he was always known, was Manly’s first chief, serving with the volunteer brigade for 23 years, and he was also Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Silverdale Fire Station.
His departure for Westport was marked by a fond farewell from brigade colleagues, who posted glowing tributes on social media, as well as on NZ Sign Solutions’ roadside display board at the top of Arklow Lane.
Shayne said that although he was excited about his new start in Westport, his time in Manly had been an unreal ride and he would miss his fire brigade family “heaps”.
Assistant Area Commander Shaun Pilgrim is currently acting as Manly Chief Fire Officer until a permanent appointment can be made to replace Tua.
