The experienced firefighter has been appointed Oamaru Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer.
DCFO Rogers told the Oamaru Mail it was ‘‘pretty humbling’’ to be trusted with the role by the brigade.
‘‘I just hope I don’t disappoint and hope I can lead them to where we want to go.’’
He has enjoyed giving back to the community throughout his 13-year career.
‘‘It’s a real honour to help people in their time of need.
‘‘Like any firefighter, it’s just the reward you get from helping the community.
‘‘We’re there to help out and that’s the sort of person I like to think I am.’’
DCFO Rogers had only ever been part of the Oamaru brigade and was previously station officer.
His daughter Kirsten also joined the brigade last year.
‘‘It’s fantastic. I really enjoy having her there.
‘‘We are very much alike so it’s not too much of a surprise.’’
The brigade has undergone a few changes of late with experienced firefighters moving on and the arrival of new recruits.
It was an exciting time for the group, DCFO Rogers said.
‘‘We did lose a lot of experience in the brigade just through attrition and other means.
‘‘It’s been really nice, actually, to get those new recruits and get them to be included and to be a part of the brigade.
‘‘It’s really good to see those people come through and just all sorts of different ethnicities and ages and diversity. It’s pretty cool.’’
He was the second new appointment for the brigade this year after Gareth Cambell was appointed chief fire officer in April.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to the future with the way Gareth is steering the helm,’’ DCFO Rogers said.
‘‘I think we’re in a great spot and we’ve still got new recruits wanting to join.’’
