WAITATI VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

By Deanne Burrell

Spring is finally here and luckily the winter driving conditions have
not caused any major accidents around our community. It has also been
a quiet few months in regards to fire call-outs so well done to the
Blueskin Bay community for keeping safe.
Members of the brigade have recently enjoyed getting out and about in
the community with visits to Warrington School and the local
playcentre. We also attended Waitati School's Fireworks night,
lighting the bonfire and monitoring its safety. Congratulations to the
school on an enjoyable evening with a magnificent fireworks display as
the grand finale.
On Saturday 21 August 2010 our Annual General Meeting and Honours
Night was held at the fire station. A great night was had by all who
attended and honours awards were presented to the following members
and past members:
3 Year Certificate: Richard Templeton, Brent Bell, Paul Dennison,
Chris Felip Alves and Bruce Moderich
5 Year Medal: Brett Fairweather
7 Years Service: Jeff Burrow
9 Years Service: Aaron White
17 Years Service: Dave Hardisty and Lindsay Scott
Gold Bar: Allan Cameron
Other awards presented on the night were:
Piston Broke Trophy: (biggest oopsy award) Jeff Burrow
Best Attendance: Keith Templeton
Fire Fighter of the Year: Deanne Burrell
Congratulations also to Richard Templeton who was promoted from senior
fire-fighter to station officer.
Over the last few months the following four members have successfully
completed their seven-day recruits course.  Congratulations Sharon
Brogan, Will Shaw, Bill Berends and Seraya Figgins.
Just a reminder that Restricted Season is currently in force.
Restricted season means no fire may be lit in the open air without a
permit.
Did you replace your smoke alarm batteries at Day Light Saving? Smoke
alarms save lives. Are yours working?
Once again thank you to everyone for their efforts in keeping our
community safe.