Honouring courage and dedication, three Airport Authority Rescue fire fighters were recognised with Long Service Gold Star awards (25+ years’ service).

The celebration and graduation awards ceremony that was held yesterday pays tribute to a combined 116 years of service between three esteemed fire fighters – George Nicholls - Fire Manager (41 years), Sonny Pureau (41 years) and Piri Urirau (34 years).

Certificates were also awarded to firefighters who have graduated from their courses, including the only two female firefighters to graduate to Senior Fire fighter - Paulina Ngaroi and Lyniah Maka Kea – making history.

Nicholls and Pureau both joined Rescue Fire in the same year, straight out from school along with Tukua “Tang” Tangaroa who didn’t stay on, and is currently the Airport Authority Chief of Security.

“It’s the idea of not knowing where you’re going to end up in the day,” said Nicholls.

“I was so excited to join knowing that I could end up the day in the mountains searching for tourists, or at sea looking for lost fisherman or boat rescue, attending motor vehicle accidents, and house or shrub fires.”

Sacrificing their own well-being to protect the community, Nicholls has had a 6-inch nail go through the side of his fire boot and into his foot walking out with the timber still attached.

Another injury he sustained was during a house fire in Arorangi where he slipped into an open pit twisting his back, landing on concrete.

Several accidents and over four decades later, Nicholls still loves the job saying, “I’m still here, I’m still standing.”

Pureau started at Resue Fire at the age of 18, undertaking a two-week work experience programme.

Currently based in Aitutaki, Pureau still has his heart in the job and dedicated to keeping the community safe.

Next month, Piri Urirau will top 35 years of fire fighting service.

He joined at the age of 19, and initially was not enthusiastic about the job.

“At first, I wasn’t that serious, until they sent me to Christchurch for training then I focused more and got serious about rescue fire,” said Urirau.

Nikau Tangaroa, Airport Authority’s Chief Executive Officer on behalf of its board of directors, management and staff and president of the United Fire Brigade Association based in New Zealand welcomed the guests and families to the occasion.

Tangaroa noted the “significant milestone” achieved by the three Gold Star firemen.

“While the world has changed considerably over this time, our purpose has not.

“We fulfill this purpose by celebrating your commitment to the service here today,” said Tangaroa.

“For those receiving honours today and others in the future be proud of what you do have pride in your fire family and remember you have always stepped up when others couldn’t.

“To the families for the sacrifices, you’ve made in supporting your family members all this contributes to their success.”

Tangaroa said it was a blessing to be surrounded by so much experience wisdom and knowledge, and encouraged the fire fighters to share with their peers, to talk to each other and gain more knowledge and skills.

“Everyone has something different to offer,” said Tangaroa.

The Gold Star medals had not arrived in time for the ceremony, these will be presented when they arrive.

Following are the Rescue Fire Service graduation and Long Service Awards.

Basic Fire Fighters course presented by Chief Fire Officer Breamt Kea: Caleb Rama, Tiarus Rio, Travel Tua, Iowane Tukana; Senior fire Fighters course presented by Orometua Teava Nanai: Paulina Ngaroi, Lyniah Maka Kea, Afato Ioane, Tereapii Junior Terepita, Mau George; Major Foam tender (R1) Driver/Operator presented by Nikau    : Royle Henry, Joe Emmanuela, Paulina Ngaroi, Lyniah Maka Kea. Long Service Gold Star awards (25 years + Service): CC Piri Urirau, SFO Sonny Pureau, Mgr George Nicholls; Long Service Certificate (40 years + service): SFO Sonny Pureau and Mgr George Nicholls.