Download PDF: Issue 32 - New Zealand Fire Service

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Photo from the Horowhenua Mail On the June 29 this year, Alexander Weir celebrated his 80 th birthday. But it’s not just his birthday that was worthy of celebration, Alex’s history with the New Zealand Fire Service is to be saluted too. The torch burns bright Alex has been a member of the New Zealand Fire Service for 42 years. To put that in perspective, when he joined in 1965, Sir Keith Holyoake was Prime Minister, Wilson Whineray was captain of the All Blacks and Ray Columbus & The Invaders were topping the charts. Alex started out at the Raetihi Volunteer Fire Brigade, where he worked his way up to the rank of chief which he held from 1984 till 1992 when he was compulsorily retired. In 1992 Alex received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in the New Year’s honours list. He also received the National Commander’s Award in 2003. But retirement did not dim the flame for Alex. “After I’d been out for 5 or Alex Weir celebrates his 80th with (from l to r) son Murray, daughter Jacqui and son Andrew. 16 Issue No. 32 Profile so years, they [the Raetihi Brigade] needed a secretary, I knew more about it than any of them so they seconded me”. After 5 years in the secretarial role, Alex moved from Raetihi to Levin and sought work at the Levin Volunteer Fire Brigade. At age 75, so began his third length of tenure with the Fire Service. Since joining the Levin Brigade, Alex has been working more in the “Fire Police side of things, like fire alarms, I’ve installed about 1000 of those in Raetihi and Levin” which in typical modesty of the man “isn’t that many when you think about it, the average house should have 3 or 4”. He also does “general dog’s body work” such as clearing the answer-phone, answering people’s queries and dispensing with literature about smoke alarms. It’s a desire and a sense of duty that has kept him in the job for so long. “I like the job and there’s a need for it, I’ve got the time on my hands, why not utilize it?” And how have things changed? “Everything’s changed except for two things, people and water. The clothing, the training, the equipment, the methods we use, communications, they’ve all changed.” Winston Churchill said that he accomplished most of his noteworthy achievements as a senior citizen, Alex Weir achieved plenty before retirement, he’s just kept on achieving ever since.
Seconds out Firefighters and police officers usually get along, but on August 11th, expect to see some of them squaring off in the ring. It’s all for a good cause, though. Twenty firefighters and police officers from Palmerston North will be boxing each other in the inaugural Fire vs. Police Charity Boxing for the Kids event at Arena Manawatu, on August 11. Event organiser Dan Coward says this is the first time firefighters and police officers have joined forces to fundraise money for Canteen (New Zealand organisation supporting young people living with cancer) with a Boxing event in Palmerston North. “There is emergency service pride on the line. All the boxers have been undertaking a gruelling training regime for the past 4 months in preparation for the event.” Dan says ironically, the up-coming fight has brought the two services closer together. “They train closely together, and this has resulted in increased working relationships between police officers and firefighters. It should have a benefit for the community and both organisations in the future.” A recent launch of the boxing event held in the Square at Palmerston North, attracted a number of people prepared to square off with the boxers in an effort to win a double pass to the event. Support from the community has been great, but now people are needed to buy tickets and support the event. Tickets are currently on sale with Arena Manawatu or Ticket Direct and are selling fast. When booking tickets make sure you let them know you’re with the Fire Service or Police, that way you can be seated in the ‘right’ section of the crowd. There will be ‘on the night’ entertainment, spot prizes, food and beverages for all, expect a boxing extravaganza lasting several hours. Fire vs. Police Charity Boxing for the kids, Arena 2, Pascal St, Palmerston North, Saturday August 11. Tickets: $25 adult, $15 student/child. Family (two adults and two children) $60. Seats are limited. Venue is Arena 2 Manawatu. Doors open at 6pm, first fight at 7.30pm, finishes around 10.30-11pm. Ten fights on the card, all fire vs. police, including one female firefighter vs. female police officer. Fighters are registered through the Boxing Federation. Fun & Games All funds raised will be given to Canteen Manawatu. The organisers have said they could not have done it without their major sponsors who came through for them with uniforms, products, training kits and the funds to do this. For more information contact: Dan Coward, event manager Dan.coward@fire.org.nz 027 249 0008 The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine August 2007 17
Page 1 and 2: Wild winter L August 2007 The New Z
Page 3 and 4: Marae fire safety initiative A Mara
Page 5 and 6: School’s out for winter Mother Na
Page 7 and 8: South Island stays par for the cour
Page 9 and 10: It’s been in the making for a whi
Page 11 and 12: Photo courtesy of Northern News In
Page 13 and 14: Incidents TRUCk’N’ROLL This was
Page 15: Truck stop Incidents The driver of
Page 19 and 20: A large turnout was expected and th
Page 21 and 22: These guys are firewise In a small
Page 23 and 24: IFE Conference 2007 Keeping pace: T

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