Thank you to all of our Firefighters

Saturday, May 4 marked the 20th annual International Firefighters' Day (IFFD), and we would like to thank all of our district’s firefighters and those who support them.

Hurunui District Council Mayor, Winton Dalley and his wife Jean attended a Fire and Emergency New Zealand event at Culverden to celebrate the valuable service given from our fire crews.

“It is important that we acknowledge the skills, knowledge, and expertise of these hardworking people and the fantastic service that they provide to keep our people and property safe," said Mayor Dalley.

IFFD began in 1999 following the tragic deaths of five firefighters in a wildfire at Linton in Victoria, Australia.

Volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter JJ Edmondson, of Victoria, started the campaign to bring together fire organizations and brigades and educational institutions, both nationally and internationally, to establish a day of respect for all firefighters.

May 4 was chosen to coincide with the feast day of St Florian, Patron Saint of firefighters.

Around the world stations will be marking the day in a variety of ways, such as 'sounding off' their sirens, marking a minute of silence or holding a community event.