Congratulations to the six firefighters who were named as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list yesterday; 

Queens Service Honour:

Mr Paul Baxter for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service. Joined as a volunteer firefighter in 1981 before becoming a career recruit in 1986. Was Chief Executive and National Commander from 2012 until stepping down in March 2017.

Queens Service Medal:

Mr Bruce Didham for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service. Member of the Portobello VFB since 1983 (CFO from 1994–2014), and has been a Volunteer Ambulance Officer for St John Ambulance and joined the career operational staff in 2007.

Mr Brian Dobson for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service and Rugby. Member of the Matata VFB since 1966 (CFO since 1988) assisting with local rescue efforts, and overseen the brigade’s response to severe slips in Matata in 2005.

Mr Karl Lapwood for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service and business. Actively involved with several fire brigades in the Waikato region; volunteering more than 23 years of service with the Huntly and Ngaruawahia VFBs and Hamilton Operational Support.

Mr Michael O’Neill for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service and the community. 35 years with the Gore VFB and held a wide range of Fire Education and Prevention courses at local schools and public organisations to promote fire safety.

Mr Miles Shelley for his services to the New Zealand Fire Service and the community. Member of the Ngatea VFB since 1975 holding various positions including Treasurer, Training Officer, Station Officer and Chief Fire Officer from 2010.   

Your years of experience and passion for serving our communities as part of the New Zealand Fire Service is well deserved.

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