Two stars recognised by the fire service

Alan Davie-Martin’s rise through the ranks of the Ahuroa Volunteer Fire Brigade to deputy chief fire officer has taken commitment, courage and sacrifice.

But not just from Davie-Martin.

His family has also paid their dues, especially his wife Elizabeth (Beth), who recently passed away.

This is why when Davie-Martin received his Gold Star for 25 years of service as a volunteer firefighter last month Beth was posthumously honoured for her unwavering support with a Gold Star of her own.

He says that less than five per cent of firefighters reach the 25-year milestone, and when this is achieved that a firefighter’s husband, wife or partner is always honoured as well.

“People just wouldn’t be firefighters without the support of their family. It’s one of those prayers that your family gets behind you as it’s very time consuming,” Davie-Martin says.

“Obviously the award ceremony was a bit of a bittersweet night with Beth not being here to share it with us.”

His daughter Suzanne Nicholls says her mother’s support was vital.

“Mum was obviously a big factor, looking after us back then and supporting Dad. She made a sacrifice as well so that he could do it. Mum was really proud of him.”

Thankfully Beth was able to attend the presentation for her husband’s 21-year service award last year, which had been delayed because of Covid-19.

“The delay ended up being a good thing. It meant Mum got to be part of that.”

Nicholls adds that she and her older sister Jessica are incredibly proud of their dad, who was “like a superhero” to them when they were younger, particularly because he was working on the medical side of things and saving lives.

Davie-Martin says the highlight of his career was saving the life of a diabetic woman who was “having a heart attack right in front of us”.

“She actually died, and we brought her back using the Lifepak Defibrillator. She was moaning about the oxygen tube in her nose as we were putting her into the rescue helicopter,” he says.

Sharing experiences like these with his fellow firefighters has seen him form some long-lasting friendships over the years.

“It’s a bond there because you both share the same highs and lows.”

Now 63 years old, Davie-Martin says at 65 you have to have a medical every year, so retirement isn’t too far away.

Besides when Davie-Martin joined the fire service in his late 30s “you just rode on the back of the truck”.

“I guess I miss the good old days when it was a bit rough around the edges,” he says.