Kaiapoi Fire District chief fire officer Tim Reynolds, who made the medal presentation, said Roy had made a massive contribution, attending more than 3000 musters (training nights) and 6000 incidents.
''Some of the bigger jobs Roy attended over the years include the Waimakariri Keighley timber mill fire, the Fellmongery fire on Giles Rd, the Charles St wharf sheds fire, the Pines-Waikuku Beach wildfire and supporting responses to the Canterbury earthquakes and the Port Hills complex fire,'' he said. ''Not to mention the hundreds of medical and motor vehicle accidents he has attended over the years.''
Tim also paid tribute to Roy's wife, Annette, and their daughters Cherie and Helen, for the support they have given him as a volunteer firefighter.
''I would like to acknowledge them for all the times that their plans and activities have been disrupted as Roy rushed away to a fire call.
''Fifty years in a volunteer brigade is a huge commitment,'' he said. ''This is an outstanding achievement that you and your family should be extremely proud of.''
Tim also acknowledged Roy's brothers, Bruce and Alan, who have also served as volunteers in the Kaiapoi brigade.
Roy said he joined the brigade on July 12, 1969. He enjoys the chance to contribute to his community and the camaraderie of the brigade, but never wanted to be a professional firefighter, preferring to concentrate on his own business, Kaiapoi Auto Electric, with Annette.
''Massive changes had occurred during the 50 years he has volunteered at the brigade, mainly with the quality of equipment used, which had improved significantly,'' he said.
There are also far more callouts these days.
''When I first joined there were 80 callouts annually. Now there are around 250.''
That is not only because of more people in the district, he said. Back in 1969, the brigade attended only fires. Now, it also attends motor accidents and paramedic callouts.
