Volunteer firefighters from the Lake Hāwea, Wānaka, and Luggate brigades were finally able to get together recently to acknowledge the collective achievements of the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Three years’ worth of awards were celebrated at the event, which had been delayed because of Covid restrictions.

Two hundred and forty-three years of combined service from the Hāwea brigade was commemorated in style, along with members of the Wānaka and Luggate brigades, associated dignitaries, and former Hāwea brigade member Amber Hollis (who is now president of the United Fire Brigades Association).

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Seventeen members of the Hāwea brigade received recognition for their service to the community.

The stars of the night were Owen Ford and Kevin Capell, who both received the Gold Star awards, recognising 25 years’ service to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) as well as service to the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade and the wider community. 

Owen and Kevin were also made honorary life members of the Hāwea brigade.

“Without Owen and Kevin’s knowledge and skill our brigade would not be where it is today,” Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade member Teresa Cotter told the Wānaka App. 

“The time and selfless sacrifices these men have made over these years is truly incredible, and they are good buggers to boot.”

Warren Hewson was also recognised for 14 years long service and good conduct, with an additional seven years on top of that.  

He was also presented with a certificate of meritorious service to acknowledge the dedicated service of his mother, the late Christine Hewson, New Zealand’s first female fire chief and former Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade member.

The event was held at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre on Saturday September 16. Firefighters from the Makarora and Tarras brigades will hold separate award ceremonies.

PHOTO: Donald Lamont