Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Good evening everyone. It always gives me great pleasure to be in Wainuiomata with tonight being no different as we gather here for this very special occasion.
For we are here to recognise the dedication and selflessness with which Deputy Fire Officer David Smith and Station Officer Steven Wilkie have served the Wainuiomata community.
Tonight both men have been honoured with the presentation of the United Fire Brigades Gold Star having each served a remarkable 25 years continuous service with the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire brigade.
I say remarkable, for they have served as volunteers for a combined total of fifty years while all the time holding down full time jobs.
Recently I read with interest the article on David in the Wainuiomata Times where he talked about asking his then-boss before joining the brigade for permission to down tools during work hours whenever duty called.
Fortunately that boss did, as have many other employers. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge them for their support of those who serve in this brigade and also the many other volunteer organisations which operate in our City.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of any caring and sharing society. Here in Wainuiomata and across Hutt City we are blessed to have many volunteers just like David Smith and Steven Wilkie who willingly give of their precious time and energy to help others.
And while it is the nature of volunteers to avoid the limelight and shrug off praise, every year the Council recognises their efforts in a variety of ways with the hope it will raise the profile of volunteering and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. This includes:
At last year’s Civic Honour Awards, I likened volunteers to the life blood of the city, while the Council is the bones. It’s a metaphor, but one that makes a lot of sense.
Blood is vibrant, energetic and colourful. That’s exactly what volunteers are, and then some. And while bones are necessary, sometimes they get too much attention and this neglects the rest of the body.
It is volunteers that make up the rich vital blood that pumps through our city and keeps it safe and alive. This is never truer than for people like Deputy Fire Officer David Smith and Station Officer Steve Wilkie, and those they serve alongside in the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
They regularly protect people and property from harm, often by placing themselves in danger to put out fires and attend incidents such as vehicle accidents, floods and emergency rescues.
That they do it as volunteers, not for money, says a lot about their character, their courage and their dedication.
They do a fantastic job, and this is a good time for the council to salute them for their efforts. They help to make Wainuiomata a better place, a safer place, and as Mayor I thank them for that.
On that note, my congratulations to Deputy Fire Officer David Smith and Station Officer Steven Wilkie for their length of service and contribution to Wainuiomata. I hope tonight is an occasion you will treasure forever.
Thank you.