Ceremony to recognise Canterbury firefighters
Good evening and welcome. Can I acknowledge all the dignitaries, local MPs and Mayors, and Fire Service senior staff with us tonight.
It was just over six months ago that many of us gathered in Ferrymead for a similar function, presenting certificates for your efforts after the 4th September last year.
None of us could have imagined that a far greater challenge was ahead.
The events of 22 February were something that you train and prepare for, but at the same time hope you never have to deal with – least of all in your home town.
It’s been a long and tough few months since then, but tonight it’s important we reflect on the outstanding efforts of every firefighter.
We saw that times of crisis often bring out the best in people.
Many firefighters suffered serious damage to their own homes, but didn’t hesitate to rush off and help others.
I know that many off-duty staff went straight to their local stations to help out however they could.
I read some remarkable stories of heroism and I know there were many more unreported.
This is a tribute to the spirit of the Fire Service, and to you all as individuals.
What impressed me was the sense of community, and how quickly everyone came together for the common good.
There were 70 live rescues performed by the Fire Service, and thousands of callouts for the Fire Service dealing with a huge range of tasks. This included everything from demolishing chimneys and checking buildings, to simply reassuring people who had been through a terrible experience.
Reassurance
Often, just the sight of uniformed personnel on their vehicles gave comfort to people.
I also want to pay tribute to all the preventive work done by the Fire Service. As power began to be restored, the risk of fire was recognised and communicated to the public.
The public’s appreciation for your efforts was clear to everyone during the official memorial service held in Hagley Park in March. I don’t think anyone who was there will forget the standing ovation given to USAR and other rescue workers.
This public’s gratitude has been shown in a number of ways, from the smoked fish delivered by the Marlin Bay Fishing Club, to the free use of motor vehicles and offers of accommodation from around the country.
And, of course, the ever present home baking and cooking that was dropped off to stations by so many people.
I myself was sent down here with two boxes of homemade fruitcakes, made by some caring Waikanae ladies in my electorate who wanted to help.
I’d like to pay tribute to firefighters from around the country who helped out, allowing many of you to take well-deserved breaks and look after your own families.
There was also great support from the United Fire Brigades’ Association, who worked with the Fire Service on creating a welfare programme. I’m told that 244 grants were paid to firefighters to help them through.
This was an international event and at one stage we had 600 USAR workers from around the world based in Latimer Square.
The praise from foreign teams shows that we can hold our own on the international stage.
The request from Japan for the USAR team to deploy there following the Tsunami reflects that.
Tonight is an evening to recognise those of you on the frontline who did such an outstanding job, but can I briefly mention two people who have played important parts and who will be standing down from their respective roles later this year.
Dame Margaret Bazley has Chaired the New Zealand Fire Service Commission since 1999. One of the key decisions the Commission made was the appointment of a Chief Executive and National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service - Mike Hall.
For the last ten years Dame Margaret and Mike Hall have had a vision of a New Zealand Fire and Rescue Service. They strived to put in place the tools – the training and equipment – to achieve that vision. The introduction of the new Hazmat vehicles was a good example of that.
The response to 22 February is a measure of how well that vision has become a reality.
Presentation
It gives me great pleasure to now present the Certificates of Commendation to the representatives of each Fire Brigade.