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Firefighters at the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade saluted three colleagues on September 19 when they were each awarded a Gold Star for 25 years service.
The recipients were senior station officer Richard (Buddah) Connolly, station officer Scott Marchant and senior firefighter Steven Greenwood.
Richard and Steven, along with their families, were present at the awards ceremony held at the Wellsford Community Centre. However, Scott was unable to attend as he is currently on deployment in the United States with the NZ/AUS contingent, assisting with aerial operations to control the wildfires near Boise. His son Cameron accepted the award on his father’s behalf, accompanied by family members.
NZ Fire Service assistance area coordinator John Booth commented that it was a rare occasion that one NZ brigade would award three Gold Stars in one year.
“This is not only a credit to you guys, but to the brigade as a whole,” he said.
Senior fire service representatives paid particular tribute to the roles played by members’ wives and partners, and their families, and the sacrifices they make.
“It’s the families that bear the brunt of their absences for fires, callouts and training.”
The three Gold Stars together represent 75 years of service, which is how long the brigade has been operating.
The brigade’s first Gold Star was awarded to George Heaven in 1968 and the latest three awards bring the total number of Gold Stars in Wellsford to 19.
There are approximately 10,000 firefighters in NZ, of which 8500 are volunteers. Only about five per cent of firefighters will ever receive a Gold Star.
Other service honour recipients were:
Three-year certificate – Liam Connolly. Two-year silver bar for five-year medals: Seven years service – Bob Goodin and Lynette Jones; 11 years service – Matt Browne and Dave (DJ) Galloway; 13 years service – Trent Jones; 19 years service – Matt Railey; 21 years service – Shane Baker; 23 years service – Lisa Greenwood. Two-year gold bar for 25-year gold star, 39 years service – John Cowpland. Former Wellsford firefighter Jenny Cole (nee Cox) received a five-year medal, accepted by her father, Peter Cox
Other awards were:
Winton Hart Memorial Shield (two man run hose running competition) – Shane Baker and Matt Railey; Phillips Sky Tower Challenge (fastest time for brigade member up Sky Tower) – Bradley Bowmar; Roy Trail Memorial Shield for Fireman of the Year – Josh Connolly; W A Steventon Cup for Most Improved Firefighter – Matt Railey; Cox Cup for Officer of the Year – Shane Baker; Flamank/Andrew Helmet for Best attendance – Richard (Buddah) Connolly, 100% attendance; Stirrers Shovel – Shane Baker.
