After Paul Hughes from the Taradale Fire Station spoke to us last year he invited us to visit. Paul is a great advocate for the Taradale Fire Station’s place in the local community and is very community focussed.
Taradale is a volunteer Station, which means all members are volunteers and there is no paid staff there. They are now called the Fire and Emergency service which means they are first responders to motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, civil defense and much more. While the Fire Service provides the main equipment, and machinery Taradale is given only $14,000 to run the Station, including functions, long or special service medals (costing $500$600 each) and more. They fundraise for the special equipment they need like helmet torches and the lighter rural helmets. Standard issue urban heavier helmets are provided.
They carry 1.2km of hose and 2000 liters of water in the fire truck. The Rescue truck has the jaws of life and is based at Napier. It is Paul’s aim to have the truck out of the station in four minutes from the call and on-site within eight minutes. Because of the extensive training they do, they have incredibly rapid response times.
Who were the lucky people that had a ride around the block, looking as happy as kids do when they get the chance.
Geoff B thanked the staff for their great welcome and hospitality and for the sterling work they do.- under very real resource restraints. President Peter asked Paul and his team to come up with a wish list which Peter could discuss with the Club. A very worthwhile evening and good to know more about the services and support they provide to the community.