27 YEARS A FIREMAN

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1940, Page 4

27 YEARS A FIREMAN

STRATFORD BRIGADESMAN ENDING OF ASSOCIATION An active association of about 15 years with the Stratford ftre brigade is broken with tMe impending departure of Fireman L. B. Davis for Huntly. Durmg his long term with the brigade, Fireman Davis has, among others, held the position of superintendent. In all, in centres besides Stratford, he has served 27 years in the interests of fire-fighting, and is therefore the holder of the coveted fireman's award, the gold service star. Last Week members of the brigade tendered a complimentary farewell smoke concert to Fireman Davis and his two sons, Firemen J. K, and W. Davis, at the fire station. Messrs. J. K. and W. Davis will be leaving Stratford shortly with the fourth reinforcements. Fireman Davis and his wife were presented with a fpuntain pen and crystal bowl and service respectively, while his two sons were presented with a fountain pen each. In making the presentation to rireman Davis snr. the superintendent, Mr. W. G. Brocklebank, spoke highly of the service he had rendered to fire-fighting generally, and particularly at Stratford. He said it was a record that any fireman might well be proud of, while the record of a father and two sons serving in the one brigade was most unique and praiseworthy. He expressed the regret that members felt at his departure, and said that all wished him well in his new activities at Huntly. When making the presentations to Messrs. Davis Mr. Brocklebank referred to the manner in which they had followed the example set by their father. He trusted that their experiences of military life would be pleasant, and said that all members of the brigade looked forward to their speedy and safe return to civil life. These sentiments were endorsed by Mr. P. T. Aitken, brigade secretary, and Foremen D. Butcher and J. Pearce. The guests of honour replied.