Firefighters recognised on special day

JULIA WADE

Courage, commitment and selflessness are qualities found in many firefighters worldwide and a special day dedicated to recognising the many volunteers and career fighters was celebrated recently.

However, due to Covid-19, International Firefighters’ Day on May 4 was a quiet affair for local firefighters, Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade (MVFB) chief fire officer Rob Leslie says, ‘but we have been celebrating in our bubbles’.

Over lockdown MVFB have been ‘safe and busy’ adapting to the ongoing restrictions and adhering to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) strict hygiene and PPE protocols to prevent any transmission of the virus.

“We also instigated a rolling 12 hour roster system for the first time, to limit the number of firefighters turning out to the station,” he says. “Our deputy chief Graham Kerrigan put his film skills to work with his blue watch crew and produced some instructional videos on how to safely don the provided PPE. FENZ management picked these up and have used them in the national Covid-19 information protocols.”

FENZ also released a celebratory video on the special day, showing how New Zealanders acknowledge the essential work of firefighters and their support people. FENZ CEO Rhys Jones says ‘they do a great job’.

"It is difficult and dangerous work, but every one of our 1800 career and 12,000 volunteer firefighters are committed to serving and protecting New Zealand communities,” he says. “However we know our people do more than just fight fires, they respond to around 80,000 incidents a year and the day is a chance to publicly thank them for their bravery and commitment, attending medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and weather and hazardous substances incidents, as well as fires.”

Through Covid-19 firefighters have continued to provide their essential service. MVFB have responded to 20 calls over the lockdown period, mainly for small fires which were in breach of the prohibited fire season as well as a number of medical callouts where PPE was used.

“For many firefighters, their important role also brings with it missed meals, sleep and family commitments. So we also acknowledge their families and whanau for their support, which allows them to be available to serve New Zealanders 24/7, 365 days every year,” Jones says. "If you know a firefighter, please take this opportunity to send them a message to say thanks.”

Mangawhai fire chief Rob Leslie (right) with local volunteers at last year’s opening of the new fire station

“The day is a chance to publicly thank them for their bravery and commitment.”