Often when there are catastrophic events true heroes emerge. Cyclone Gabrielle gave me Fred.
Fred it not his real name, I don't think I should use his real name as I am just repeating a story I was told. I do not know Fred, probably never will but I don't think I will forget his heroic act during the cyclone.
Fred is a volunteer fireman. As well as fighting fires, our volunteer fire-persons (political correctness has finally caught up with me) attend medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, other requests for help like cats stuck up trees and severe weather events.
Volunteer firefighters make up 85% of New Zealand's Fire and Emergency's front-line workforce and respond to emergencies across 95% of NZ. So, as the cyclone raged, countless volunteers were out there doing everything they could to keep us safe. There are stories of firefighters who returned to their own homes after the storm only to find terrible damage to their own property. The families of our volunteers support their loved ones by often coping alone during difficult times.
Two volunteer firefighters lost their lives during the storm, an awful reminder of the risks our volunteers take to protect and support others.
I know our local brigade was called upon to assist with several emergencies during the storm. In the very early hours, I can't remember if it was the first or second night of wild weather, they were called again to assist with evacuating people from at flood risk homes in Dargaville, on the west coast. Fred and his team came to the rescue of a frail, elderly couple who they helped to the fire engine through the raging storm. However, the lady couldn't climb the high step up into the engine. What to do? Fred had the solution. Without hesitation he lay himself face down in the mud and flood water and told the old lady to step up onto his back to reach the step.
While they were rescuing people Gabrielle had wreaked havoc on all the roads in and out of Dargaville and there was no way home. Using a roundabout route and local knowledge, they cleared the road in front of them of fallen trees and mud-slides as they slowly made their way back.
From my house I can see the back of the fire brigade building which gave shelter to those who needed it. They had a generator and I liked being able to see their light shining through the storm when everything else was in blackness. Mind you, most of the time I couldn't see it through the rain but I knew it was there and it gave me comfort.
And when the weather calmed down those volunteers were out knocking on doors, checking that everyone was OK.
I salute you, Fred and all other fire-fighters.
I weathered the storm quite well. Lost a few branches off trees and everything in the deep freeze after 5 days without power but all my family are safe.
I took this photo yesterday of the Waipu Rivermouth, on the east coast. Hard to believe Mother Nature could be so vicious when you see her like this.
