Raetihi fire chief retires

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 443, 14 July 1992, Page 5

Raetihi fire chief retires

BY

RIC

About 150 people were at the Raetihi primary school hall on Saturday night, 4 July, to mark the retirement of Raetihi Fire Chief Alex Weir, QFSM, who has served 35 years in the Raetihi fire brigade. Included in the gathering were former Raetihi firemen returned from Tauranga, Whakatane, Palmerston North, Wanganui and New Plymouth. Also present was Doctor Ken Vallance, who is the brigade's honorary surgeon. Doctor Vallance a former Raetihi Doctor, but now practising in Taupo.

All the visitors had served with Alex in the brigade over the years. Alex, who is Raetihi born, first joined the brigade on 17 August 1948, but left on 20 March 1950, when he went to work at the Chateau Tongariro. On his return he re-joined the brigade 8 July 1958 and became deputy chief in 1974 and fire chief in 1984. Speakers at the evening were Regional Commander, Ron Smith from Palmerston North, Area Commander Kevin Peacock from Wanganui, Ruapehu District Council Mayor, Garrick Workman and past Raetihi chief George Chan. All spoke of how they hold Alex in high regard and of how he has set a high standard for the new ones

coming into the fire service. Oh behalf of the Raetihi fire brigade, newly appointed fire chief, David Griffin, presented Alex with a miniature model fire engine, and Ohakune's fire chief, Max Martin pre-

sented him with a set of wooden wine goblets. In his reply, Alex spoke of some of the more memorable fires he attended, such as two fires at the Raetihi Cosmopolitan club, Dobson Bros fire and more recently, going to Horo-

pito where a truck and trailer, loaded with 64 full hydrogen bottles had tipped over. Over the years Alex has seen many changes in the fire service. In earlier years the appliances did not have water pumps and had • to rely on the pressure in the water mains. Appliances now have pumps with high and low pressure. Also in years gone by firemen didn't have to contend with the chemical spillages or toxic fumes of today. Alex said he has enjoyed his time with the fire brigade and will miss it as it has played a big part in his life. But for some time now, he said he has been aware of the fact that the day to retire would soon come. He then did his last

duty as fire chief, presenting honours due to members of the Raetihi Fire Brigade. Presentations were made to Donna McGrath, five year medal; Martin Webb, nine year medal; John Compton, 11 year medal; Neil McLean, 17

year medal; Ken Summerhayes, 17 year medal; Alan Bowater, 39 year gold star. John Summerhayes was also congratulated on completion of his 14 years of service, to qualify for his long , service and good conduct medal.