News Story
The Brigade is marking a major milestone - 80 years of service to the community. The special guest at last night's anniversary dinner, Chairman of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission, Rt Hon Wyatt Creech, said that as he moves around the country he continues to be impressed with the extraordinary contribution made by volunteer fire brigades such as ours. "I'm pleased to be here with you, our biggest volunteer unit,to help celebrate your 80th birthday". Auckland Metropolitan Fire Police Corps was founded when 12 constables were sworn in to act alongside the Fire Brigade at major blazes. In their first year they responded to only a handful of fire calls, all within the CBD and inner suburbs, in their own cars, hitching a ride with friends or travelling on public transport. Today there are 60 members answering an average of 600 calls annually across a sprawling Greater Auckland deploying the Unit's urgent response vehicles. At last night's function Chief Fire Officer Glenn Teal said that it is remarkable these days for an organisation to endure and thrive for 80 years, still providing meaningful, value-added, services to the community. "And", he added, "the Brigade is in great heart to continue for a long time to come. We have a bright future".
