Lake Okareka Fire Force first time honours
Yesterday the Lake Okareka Fire Force held its first service honours evening at the Pig and Whistle.
The Lake Okareka volunteers received their Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand Silver Medal for 3 years of service and a bar for every 3 years following.
Councillor Dave Donaldson presented the medals to Philip Muldoon for 14 years, Kierin Oppatt for 7 years, Ray Doyle for 6 years, Stuart Pinfold for 4 years and Dave Herries for 3 years.
Richard Bellamy and Jesse Oppatt were unable to attend the evening to receive their award. Kierin and Ray were also presented their National Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services Vegetation (Level 2 & 3) by Rotorua’s Deputy Rural Fire Officer Richard Horn.
"It was a fantastic night and we are fiercely proud that in 29 years, we have never missed a callout and that is thanks to the dedication of all those people who have given freely of their time over the years and those who continue to do so today." says Chief Fire Officer Phil Muldoon.