Double gold for retiring fire chief

After a total of 54 years active service, Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Service chief Maurie Doughty is about to hang up his helmet – and overalls and boots and axe – for the last time.

Joining Auckland’s Pt Chevalier auxillary team in 1960 Maurie followed two brothers into the service, adding to a family tradition which has included a further three brothers, a son in the service in Auckland and also now a grandson who is a volunteer firefighter. In Auckland he rose to the rank of divisional officer in charge of the South Auckland crew.

Maurie’s association with Mangawhai goes back to 1970 when on holiday at Mangawhai he automatically answered the call and assisted local firefighters when a big scrub fire was alerted at the Heads.

That holiday routine became more permanent when Maurie and wife June bought their home in Mangawhai 1984. Subsequently Maurie became station officer, later deputy then chief in 2008.

The service has come a long way in those 54 years and though some are still slow to realise it, firefighting is much more than just pouring water on flames.

“Much of a firemans work takes place in the worst of weather and in the worst of conditions like storms and floods with trees and powerlines down rendering a situation extremely dangerous,” says Maurie. “Then there are duties from coastal rescues, attending and cleaning up after vehicle accidents right down to retrieving cats from trees – and that’s all apart from fighting fires!”

Structural changes throughout the service now mean the workload of a fireman has increased considerably. Firemen must also have knowledge and training in health and safety issues, toxic materials, the use of new and sophisticated apparatus and maintain a close relationship with police and first aid agencies.

“To go through this programme takes time and tenacity,” Maurie adds “which just goes to show the dedication of these officers given they are volunteers with other jobs to do but who drop everything to attend a call-out.”

Interaction with the community through school visits, gala days and the like are also seen as a big step forward in education the younger generation to the importance of fire alarms and general safety.

Far from being put out to grass, Maurie will continue his involvement with the Fire Service fleet movements throughout the north as vehicles are required for regular servicing and testing of all equipment.

“I’m happy to have done my time and will be proud to have earned a double gold star but I’m mostly proud of the job the fire service does and will continue to do with community support, and the strong and dedicated guys and women I’ve worked with over the years.”