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A gold star and trophy were presented to Lance Stephens at the Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade honours night.
Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade held its first honours night on Saturday, November 21, under the umbrella of the New Zealand Fire Service.Seventeen members received recognition for their achievements and length of service, with a coveted Gold Star award being presented to Lance Stephens for 25 years’ service to the brigade. Only about five per cent of New Zealand’s fire fighters have received this honour.
Lance’s actual service totals 32 years, joining the Papakura Station as a professional fire fighter in 1975. He also served at Howick and Ellerslie stations before leaving the Fire Service in 1979 to travel overseas.
Lance rejoined two years later at Otahuhu and moved to the central station in 1984. He rode the snorkel and emergency tender appliances for four years – both these appliances are now at the Motat Transport Museum.
After serving 17 years at the Parnell Station, Lance left the service in 2004 and five years later joined the recently formed Matakana Volunteer Brigade where he now holds the rank of station officer.
Father of three children, Lance has owned several boats and is a blue water sailor. He now teaches in Warkworth, ship firefighting, survival at sea and other subjects relating to the marine environment.
Senior fire officer Ray Holden was awarded the Dennis Whitaker Trophy for the best and fairest member and Barry Clarke was recognised for his 43 years to the fire service. Barry’s wife Cheryl received an award for 52 years supporting the Fire Service.
