Fire Brigade Update

OPTIMISM IS EASIER IF YOU HAVE CONTROL

While everything seems to be rising around us, it is hard not to get that sinking feeling! Most of it is out of our control, but how we react is in our control. When it comes to keeping the roof over your head, adjustments will need to be made. Communicate your worries with your partner and make a plan. Involve the kids to a degree - don’t load them with more than a child should carry, but keep them in the loop in a positive way as to why Santa may not be quite so generous this year. Making a budget will help if you stick with it and keep the end goal in sight. Ten years down the track, you will be so glad you made the small sacrifices today. Most of all, having a plan will make it easier to float and enjoy the ride. I wish each and every one of you a joyful Christmas and lots of sun-filled summer days! Ginny Nelson.

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Well, the holiday season is almost here, which means Christmas chaos and goodbye to 2022! The Rolleston Brigade has had a big 2022. We’ve returned from Covid hibernation and restrictions to find our new normal again. It has certainly been a year of challenges and growth, however, we have embraced these and developed new ways of going forward together as a Brigade family. As I write this, we currently sit at 482 callouts for 2022 and with December still to come, I suspect we will finish the year with well over 500 calls. For a volunteer station that’s a massive commitment from all of our team! To all of our families and those that support us to be able to run out of the house at dinner time, work or in the middle of something - thank you. I’m sure the community will also agree and say thank you. Since the last issue went out we’ve had more of our team away on courses. Congratulations to the following members, Matt and Rose, on completing the Emergency Response Drivers (ERD) course. They are now probationary ERD drivers, and once they complete their consolidation will be fully qualified. Brendon completed his seven day Recruit Training course at Woolston Training Centre. Welcome to the family. As with most of our courses, Brendon will now work on his consolidation as a Firefighter and Shannon and Chris on their recent Station Officer course in Rotorua at National Training Centre (NTC). Going up to NTC is always exciting but can be nerving too! Even with some circumstances out of our control, both lads represented Rolleston well. They’ll finish their consolidation to become fully qualified Station Officers. As the silly season fast approaches and we all start to head away for a holiday or kick back at home, please remember to think before you light. Recently, we’ve had a few suspicious fires around Rolleston, and some where, a little common sense might have reduced some risk. If you do see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 111. When you're off on your roadie heading to your favourite camping spot remember to give yourself plenty of time to travel, take breaks or swap drivers if you can. Let's make it to our destinations and home again. Don’t be the one that has to spend your holidays in the hospital. Our business hours won’t change, we will be available 24/7, as we always are, though we’d love to have a little extra time with our loved ones rather than riding the big red truck all the time. From the Rolleston Volunteer Fire Brigade family, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.

Merri Kirihimete, Chris Peat, Senior Firefighter, Rolleston Fire Brigade.