24-07-2025
Brigade stalwart honoured
An Omakau firefighter has been awarded the Gold Star medal, marking 25 years of dedicated service to Fire and Emergency New Zealand in a ceremony in Ophir on July 12.
Grant Sinnamon had been a part of the Omakau Volunteer Fire Brigade since shortly after he assisted firefighters during the Alexandra wildfires of 1999.
Mr Sinnamon and his family had only recently moved to Omakau when the massive fire broke out around Alexandra, with all brigades in the area being called to help, he said.
"It was when I thought, 'oh, yeah, I'll go down to the local fire station and ask the chief that was in charge if they needed any help'."
The chief fire officer at the time, Sam Leask, dispatched Mr Sinnamon, Arthur Samuels and Coleen Corburn and a water tanker to help out other appliances.
"What followed was a very long day and night, which sparked the beginning of me wanting to join the brigade."
Living in Omakau he would hear the sirens go off and thought about how he could help.
"I went up to the chief and said, 'oh, can I join'?"
Mr Sinnamon said over his 25 years the types of calls he attended had not changed much as medical events, house fires and car crashes had always been part of their work.
During his time as a volunteer firefighter, the brigade had even rescued two dogs.
"I'm pretty sure they were the same dog," he said.
One of the dog rescues Mr Sinnamon was involved in himself.
"[It] was on a bit of a hillside, and I think he saw some rabbits ... and went over to the side, and luckily there was a ledge about a couple of metres down from where he fell off."
The brigade needed the help of mountain rescue to rescue the dog, which was fortunately unharmed.
The ability to help out his community is what has kept Mr Sinnamon attending emergencies and training nights for 25 years.
"I like going and helping people when they're in serious situations."
The brigade's station officer Adam Rubie said Mr Sinnamon had earned a reputation for tireless dedication to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, as he seldom missed a callout.
"The gold star is one of the highest honours a volunteer firefighter can receive, symbolising not only longevity but also unwavering dedication to protecting the community."
Only 8% of firefighters reached the 25-year milestone, Mr Rubie said.
Mr Sinnamon said the brigade played a huge part in keeping the Omakau community safe, and the wider community with the help of the Alexandra and Ranfurly brigades.
"It has been a privilege to play my part in that over the 25 years and I am committed to continuing into the future."
