Milton volunteer firefighters Donald Greene (47) and Alan Tapp (74) are related by marriage, and have shared 22 years’ parallel service to the South Otago town’s brigade.
Both men received 25-year-service gold stars recently, Mr Greene his first, and Mr Tapp his second, after chalking up a record 50 years’ service to Milton.
Mr Greene — a saw doctor by trade — began his firefighting life at Kaitangata brigade, but changed allegiances to Milton after he married Mr Tapp’s niece, Jayne, who lived in the town.
He said he got into firefighting after watching local men extinguishing housefires in Kaitangata, as a boy.
"That got me interested. Then when I married Alan’s niece, he wouldn’t stop pestering me to come and join Milton, so eventually I did."
Mr Greene said he was proud to receive the gold star, but doubted he would achieve Mr Tapp’s double-star feat.
"It’s always been a goal of mine to reach this mark, and it’s in big part down to the support of my family. But Alan’s achievement is just amazing.
"He’s done so much for the brigade over the years I doubt anyone will ever match his contribution."
Mr Tapp, who received his Queen’s Service Medal for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community in 2019, said he had never aimed to reach 50 years’ service, let alone to the one brigade.
"It’s a big achievement. I’m the first in the 123 years of the brigade to do 50 years, so I feel pretty proud," he said.
The former panelbeater put his longevity in the service down to continued fitness, and pleasure in serving his community.
"That’s why we all do it. To help our community."
Mr Tapp, who served as chief fire officer from 1997-2015, said he had seen many changes to the service during his time — although some things remained resolutely the same.
"Some changes have been good, some not so much. The equipment today is pretty high-tech, and a world away from when I started in 1971.
"But you still find the fire and put it out with water, so that hasn’t changed."
He said while chimney fires were the most common callout in his earlier days, today road crashes and medical emergencies loomed largest for firefighters.
That placed a lot of pressure on volunteers, although they continued to rise to the challenge.
"I’d like to see the Government fund St John properly. That’s what needs to happen to improve things."
He also thanked wife of more than 50 years, Lorraine, for supporting him.
"She’s been a rock."
Although he had "slowed up a wee bit", Mr Tapp said he would continue to serve for as long as he remained useful.
"I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
"But when the time’s right, I’ll leave."
