Richard Crease, Station Officer, Cambridge Fire Brigade was called in at the last minute to lead the Maadi Cup parade.
Cambridge’s chief fire officer Dennis Hunt, left, and deputy chief fire officer Glenn Philip with the new Ford F150 vehicle.
Fund raising to fit out and house the Cambridge Fire Brigade’s new Ford F150 has been given a boost by the Rapid Relief Team which is funded by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
Spokesperson Logan Brewer told The News that over a six week period the team had raised more than $14,700 “toward this worthy cause”.
The funds came from donations from brethren church community members and businesses and an August sausage sizzle.
“RRT is a global initiative funded and run by the PBCC with a mission to serve people with care and compassion in their time of need,” he said. “Assisting the local fire brigade with funds is our small way of showing appreciation to their work.”
The F150 is the second for the Cambridge brigade and bringing it to Waipā was work initiated by the late fire chief Don Gerrand.
It has been in service since shortly after Cyclone Gabrielle struck.
“It would have been good to have had it during the cyclone – it’s a fantastic support vehicle,” fire chief Dennis Hunt told The News.
All up about $180,000 has been raised for the project – work is yet to start on some modifications to the Cambridge station to properly house the new vehicle, which has been converted from left hand drive and fitted with everything from water blasters to chainsaws and blowers.
Hunt appreciated the latest show of support from the Rapid Relief Team.
“Cambridge is so fortunate to have the community right behind us – the support is unbelievable,” he said.
