GOLD STAR

It was a personal ambition of Dennis Willson's to achieve 25 years service with the Fire Brigade and to see a new station built. He achieved both and was recently awarded his Gold Star medal as a member of the Manutuke Brigade. He is pictured, with his wife Bev, cutting a gold star-shaped cake at Whakato Marae following the presentation of his award by Brian Stanley, past President of the United Fire Brigades Association. Regional Commander Ron Smith, also presented Dennis with a silver salver in recognition of his long service. The first fire Dennis ever attended was the old Gisborne Hotel which was situated on the present W&K yard on the comer of Lowe St. and Childers Road. His most memorable was another hotel fire at Muriwai. There are more calls now than there used to be, with the 12 volunteer firemen at Manutuke being called out 2 to 4 times a month. These men, along with their counterparts in other volunteer brigades, provide a valuable service in rural areas and their contributions and commitment is a credit to them. Dennis's other medals are Manutuke Brigade Life Membership (centre-red) and the 14 years good conduct and long service medal (right).

×

 

•