Eminent firefighter given full honours

The pallbearers, led by Gerard Haggart (left) and Gary Templeton, prepare to lift the casket of distinguished Otago firefighter Cliff Garrett on to a fire engine before his ceremonial funeral parade yesterday.

Cliff Garrett, one of Otago's most distinguished firemen, was accorded full honours by his New Zealand United Fire Brigade colleagues during a funeral and ceremonial parade in Wanaka yesterday afternoon.

Mr Garrett (82) is among the top echelon of New Zealand's firefighters and is respected by brigades around Otago for his unwavering loyalty and dedication during a 54-year career as a volunteer and fire service administrator.

He was awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal in 1989 - one of the most distinguished honours in the fire service - and was also an honorary life member of both the Ravensbourne and Wanaka fire brigades.

The parade passes the Wanaka fire station. Photos by Matthew Haggart.

He was married to Val and the couple had two daughters, Linda and Janice.

A former Ravensbourne resident, Mr Garrett worked for Fletchers Construction in Dunedin.

He joined Fletchers in 1954 as a building apprentice, eventually spending 45 years with the construction company until his retirement to Albert Town, near Wanaka.

In 2006, he received a double gold star award from the United Fire Brigade Association, in recognition of his 50 years' continuous service - the 48th person to achieve the rare milestone.

Cliff Garrett

He was given a guard of honour by his Wanaka brigade colleagues and other fire service members from around Otago at his funeral, which was held at the Presbyterian Church in Wanaka.

His casket was carried on top of a fire engine during a parade of five fire appliance vehicles though the streets of Wanaka yesterday afternoon.