Fire Brigade needs reinforcements: will you help?
When I write these articles for The Star, I often wonder if anyone reads them? I do know that people read my March article because some of them have been coming up and continuing the discussion about how the community values the Fire Service we have in and around Martinborough.
My main point in that article was that there are some people who do not seem to understand the effort and time required to be a volunteer firefighter and they fail to appreciate the contribution of these volunteers. One volunteer reinforced that point to me by saying, “please ask them whether they think I enjoy getting up at 2:00 a.m. to go and put out a fire?”
Like me, this volunteer was a ‘mature’ citizen.
Other people have thanked me for showing gratitude for what the fire service does. I think that most people do appreciate the fire brigades we have, but don’t always say so. I also think that the complainers get more “airtime” than they merit.
In the April edition of The Star, we read that two more qualified firefighters from the brigade are leaving, so this month I want to make a request. Can we get some more people to volunteer?
As Mayor, I am constantly reminded of the contributions made by our Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade. This dedicated group of individuals selflessly serve our community, providing vital emergency services across a vast area that not only encompasses Martinborough but also stretches from the coastal areas around Lake Ferry to the rugged landscape of Tora.
Our volunteer firefighters are not career professionals, yet they embody the very essence of dedication, commitment, and selflessness.
With three appliances, two fire engines and a First-Response vehicle, Martinborough Volunteer Brigade answers over 300 calls a year, responding to fires, accidents, severe weather events and medical emergencies.
While many volunteers are out on the front lines, not all of them are responding directly to incidents. A crucial part of the brigade’s success is the support team who take on essential administrative tasks and other duties, ensuring the smooth operation of the brigade. Additionally, they work with local communities to reduce fire risks in homes, helping to prevent emergencies before they occur.
Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade is the only brigade in the Wellington District to operate a First Response unit, and last year, they were the busiest First-Response brigade in the country. They play an essential role in providing medical support within our community, working alongside Wellington Free Ambulance, to offer life-saving care at incidents.
Currently, the brigade is seeking more volunteers to help carry on their important work, whether on the front lines or in support roles. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding, and it offers an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Martinborough.
I encourage anyone who feels the call to serve their community to consider joining this incredible group of volunteers so that the Martinborough Volunteer Brigade continues to thrive and serve our community for years to come.
Visit www.fireandemergency.nz/register-your-interest-to-volunteer/ to register your interest.
As I finish this article, the Council has also just finished hearing submissions to its proposals for the Long-Term-Plan and for “Local Water Done Well”. Thank you to all those people from Martinborough and the Martinborough Community Board who told us what they thought. We heard some excellent ideas.
