Senior Firefighter Rachel Naylor said the community took the opportunity to not just celebrate the milestone but also reconnect with former members of the Mossburn Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The celebration included an open day followed by a function where brigade honours were presented.
The brigade was established in 1956 to serve the local community, but it went through a lull period.
Former chief fire officer Doug Due played an important role in revitalising the brigade after a difficult period.
" ... Then he got it really humming along."
About the same time, the brigade joined the United Fire Brigade’s Association.
The brigade had traditionally maintained a membership of about 20 people but at present had up to 25 members, which offered a mix of age and experience, which was one of the brigade’s strengths, SFF Naylor said.
"We’ve got a good depth for succession into the future."
Younger firefighters often returned with new knowledge from Fire and Emergency New Zealand courses which they shared with the brigade.
While Mossburn was the brigade’s primary area, firefighters frequently assisted neighbouring communities, she said. "It just depends where the need is, really ... and the nature of the calls."
Chief Fire Officer Lance Hellewell said he believed the way the brigade fostered its "family atmosphere" was the key to its longevity and success.
"We’re a brigade that gets involved in a lot of the challenges; that makes the brigade well known throughout New Zealand."
The Mossburn Diner fire in 2020, attended by 35 firefighters from Balfour, Dipton, Lumsden and Riversdale, still lingered in their memories.
"That one was a big day for the boys ... and we’ve had the odd bus crash that’s kept us pretty occupied in the past."
Brigade Honours
3 year certificate — FF Ben Neumann
5 year medal — SFF Patrick Hillas; FF Patrick Colligan
2 year Silver Bar — SFF Ollie Trusler and SFF Dan McMillin, 7 yrs service; FF Tommy McKerras, 9 yrs; SFF Mike Brenssell, 13 yrs; SO Travis Naylor, 15 yrs; DCFO David Stalker, 17 yrs
2 year gold bar — Brigade Support Jo Kenning, 29 yrs; SFF Rachel Naylor, 31 yrs; SFF Stephen Trusler, 35 yrs.
40 year certificate — SFF Jeff Manson
Long service & good conduct medal — SO Travis Naylor
Firefighter of the year 2026 — DCFO David Stalker
Jim Guyton trophy for highest attendance — SFF Zac Manson
By Toni McDonald
