Maungaturoto Volunteer Fire Brigade honours night

I had the pleasure of attending the Maungaturoto Volunteer Fire Brigade honours night yesterday and 50 year medal celebration for Senior Firefighter Neil Searle.

Honours awarded were -

• 3rd silver bar 11 years Mike Schimanski

• 4th silver bar 13 years Eli Antunovich

• 6th silver bar 17 years Michael Tovine

• 7th silver bar 19 years Jody Bennetto

• 8th silver bar 21 years Matt Browne

• 8th silver bar 21 years Mark Guy

• 1st gold bar 27 years Greg Holst

• 2nd gold bar 29 years Richard Bell

• 3rd gold bar 31 years Darryl Needham

• 4th gold bar 33 years Glen Orford

• 4th gold bar 33 years Paddy Thornton

• 12th gold bar 49 years Neil Searle

The star of the show was Neil Searle who joined the brigade on 18 August 1975 and has a 96% attendance record.

Neil received his 50 year medal from United Fire Brigades Association patron Colin "Toss" Kitchen followed by plaques, certificates and gifts from FENZ and a certificate of appreciation from Kaipara District Council. Speeches were made by a number of dignitaries including MP for Northland Grant McCallum.

Thank you Neil for 50 years service to Maungaturoto and the surrounding area - what an achievement!