Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Award recognises Loafers Lodge responders

Last night, Wellington Deputy Mayor Foon presented the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian (APW) Award to Fire and Emergency’s Wellington District for their role in responding to the Loafers Lodge tragedy in May.

Group Manager Wellington, Gareth Hughes, who was Assistant Commander on the night of the incident, Adviser Risk Reduction Ted Coates, accompanied by Thorndon Station SSO Clark Townsley, Wellington City Station SO Josh McAlpine and Senior Dispatcher Maria Conlon from Central ComCen, accepted the award on behalf of the first responders.

Gareth says, ‘It was important to have everyone who was involved represented. Our people who took the call, those who did the mahi and the rescues, and the Fire Investigation team who worked with the police. It was all about them.’

‘This is very humbling and a significant honour for the District to be nominated and then selected as a winner for this award. I am proud of all our people involved in this incident’, adds Nick Pyatt, District Manager Wellington.

APW Winners and Wellington City Councillors