Contribution to civil defence acknowledged

Needing assistance from the Whakatane-based New Zealand Response Team 17 isn't an event anyone wants to happen, at any time.

But if you do end up receiving their help, it's reassuring to know that there are decades of experience within the team that's always ready to respond - with three long-serving members acknowledged for that service work this week.

Tony Gillard, Alan Keeber and Brenda Davis were recognised at Thursday's Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Joint Committee meeting for each providing 10 years or more service to civil defence.

The three are members of the Whakatāne team which is able to respond to a range of activities including flood, storm and urban search and rescue, as well as other emergency situations.

Chair of the Coordinating Executive Group Aileen Lawrie said the recognition of all three was a huge boost for the region's civil defence presence.

"It's terrific to see Tony, Alan and Brenda acknowledged for the work that they've put into Civil Defence, both within and outside the region during the past decade," Ms Lawrie said.

"Being a Civil Defence responder is a huge commitment - we never really know where or when disaster might strike. It's not a role that everyone can fulfil and I congratulate and thank them for the work they do."Contr

The awards are not the only accolades for the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group this year - next month Opotiki Mayor John Forbes, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Joint Committee, and Diane Turner, former chair of the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Coordinating Executive Group, will be presented with Ministerial Silver Awards in recognition of their contributions made to civil defence in the region.