Fireman receives Gold Star

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 383, 23 April 1991, Page 2

Fireman receives Gold Star

Raetihi fireman Dave Griffin received his Gold Star Medal at a function on Saturday 20 April.

Members of brigades throughout the area gathered to honour Deputy Chief Fire Officer Griffin and congratulate him on his 25 years voluntary service to the Raetihi Brigade. DFCO Griffin is the ninth fireman from the Raetihi brigade to receive his Gold Star Medal. Among the guests present were two retired chief officers of the Raetihi Brigade, Doug Sandford who travelled from Dunedin for the occasion and George Chan. Another exRaetihi fireman Tom Dobson from Matata was also present.

United Fire Brigade Association Junior Vice President Brain Stanley from Kawerau presented DCFO Griffin with his Gold Star Medal, while Regional Commander Ron Smith from Palmerston North presented the Wellington Provincial Gpld Star Association Members

badge, tie, rule book and lady member's badge. Other presentations made were the New Zealand Fire Service Commission silver tray by area commander Kevin Peacock from Wanganui. The Brigade Life Honorary members medal and a gift from the Raetihi Brigade of a trophy with a mounted Raetihi Brigade Badge and fireman's helmet was

presented by Chief Fire Officer Alec Weir. Ruapehu District Council mayor Garrick Workman made a presentation on behalf of the community and council. During the official ceremony all speakers talked about DFCO Griffin's contribution and service to the brigade - and community and acknowledged that a fireman's wife plays an im-

portant role in supporting her husband. presentations were made to Pam Griffin in appreciation of this support. Mention was made of the fact that both of DCFO Griffin's two sons are members of the brigade. In reply DCFO Griffin thanked everyone for their presentations and support and said he was very humble and yet proud to see his two sons in the brigade uniform.