897 days ago

Celebrating the heroes who help keep our communities safe

Neighbourly.co.nz

When you’re a firefighter out on a call it’s essential to know someone in the brigade has got your back, but it’s also handy knowing someone is supporting you back at the office.

Steve Gee and Jono Turnbull are volunteer firefighters who both work at Connetics (Southern) Ltd in Cromwell, a network contractor that specialises in power installations and maintenance.

While they’re with different brigades - Gee is chief fire officer for Clyde and Turnbull is a recruit for Cromwell - and have very different roles within the business, they say having a co-worker who understands their dual roles is critical.

They’re grateful to work for a company that understands the importance of their role and values their commitment to the community.

Gee and Turnbull are two of the nearly 12,000 Kiwis who volunteer for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and are ready to respond in a crisis.

Their ability to do that depends on workplaces who are willing to be part of the back-up crew.

Stuff’s community newspapers are partnering with Fire and Emergency to recognise the local businesses who support this important work with the Proud Employer mark, which acknowledges the role they play in keeping communities safe by allowing their staff to respond to an incident during working hours.

“The company is very supportive of the community input that Jono has in Cromwell and I have in Clyde,” says Gee.

With his job based in Cromwell, Gee is less likely to be called out during the day, but says volunteering for Fire and Emergency constantly requires juggling responsibilities between his work and home lives. However, he says volunteering is more than worth it.

“People often ask me why I’m involved with Fire and Emergency. It’s because I have a genuine interest and It’s something I can do to give back to the community. There’s also a lot of value in terms of your own personal development. I treat it as a sport, a hobby and a whole lot of other things rolled into one. It keeps me fit, it keeps the brain active, and it keeps me grounded.”

Turnbull volunteered for mountain rescue in the UK and was keen to continuing volunteering in some capacity when he moved to New Zealand. He was thrilled to be accepted as a recruit with the Clyde Brigade.

“It’s a fantastic thing to be involved in,” he says.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Will a combined Civic and library hub help transform the CBD?

Katie Townshend Reporter from The Nelson Mail

At a city revitalisation summit on Tuesday, the council unveiled a business case for a $90m community hub, library and civic centre. Is it a great idea or should the money be spent elsewhere? (Please mark NFP on any comments not for publication)

Image
11 hours ago

Staying home over the break?

Toka Tū Ake EQC

The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:

• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances

These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Find out more

Image
1 day ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

Image