The deputy chief fire officer received life membership recognition, a plaque from Fire and Emergency New Zealand representative Rob Torrance and Gold Star Association’s Kevin Sutton welcomed him to the 25-year association.
"Paul is a very capable firefighter and a crucial part of the Clutha Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade," Chief Fire Officer Richard Hunter said.
"He lives the closest to the brigade of all our members — he’s even been known to run to the station — and often talks to FireCom, gaining more information on the call, starts the trucks and decides what might be needed before anyone else even arrives."
The second Gold Star recipient for the local brigade, Mr Gouman was candid about his choice of community activity.
"I was with Lions and the fire brigade, and I chose the brigade because I enjoy it ... its a good feeling to go out and help people in that way.
"It feels like something I’ve just got to do ... If the alarm goes and I’m at work and there’s someone here, they just have to wait because we don’t know if it’s their house, their kid, their wife or whatever, we don’t know who it is until you get there.
"Sometimes at home with the family ... there’s been times where we’re going to go away and we’re all set and then the alarm goes off and I’ll just say, ‘well, this’ll have to wait,’ and I’m off to the callout instead.
"Everyone appreciates that you do it [and] we’re all grateful that they’re flexible about it."
The honours night also included awards from three-year certificates to 35-year honours for other brigade members, and speeches were made offering special thanks to Mr Gouman’s family for their support.
