Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan has congratulated eight firefighters from Wanaka, Auckland, Rongotea, Te Awamutu, Bulls, Kerikeri, Taihape and Te Puke who have been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
“These honours recognise the inspiring contributions that these dedicated New Zealanders have made to Fire and Emergency and their local communities over many years.” says Rebecca Keoghan.
The recipients are:
– Peter (Ralph) Fegan, JP (Wanaka) – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
– Glenn Teal (Auckland) – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
– Lance Berry JP (Rongotea) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
– Ian Campbell (Te Awamutu) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Taekwon-Do
– Brian Carter JP (Bulls) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
– Arthur (Greg) Imms (Kerikeri) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
– Robert (Rob) Webb JP (Taihape) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
– Glenn Williams JP (Te Puke) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
“On behalf of everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand, I would like to congratulate them on receiving this honour,” says Rebecca Keoghan.
Additional information:
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Peter (Ralph) Fegan JP
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Ralph Fegan has volunteered in the Wanaka and West Coast communities since 1973 in a range of capacities.
Mr Fegan volunteered with Franz Josef Volunteer Fire Brigade for 22 years before joining the Wanaka Brigade, where he has served 17 years. He was Chief Fire Officer in Franz Josef from 1977 to 1996, initiating the formation of a Rural Fire Party, and has been Secretary since 2013 at the Wanaka Brigade. He has been involved with the United Fire Brigade Association as President of the Central Otago Fire Brigades Sub-Association from 2021 to 2023 and became Senior Vice President of the Otago/Southland Gold Star Association in 2023. He contributed to the tourism industry from the 1970s and was Chairman of Lake Wanaka Tourism for two years, Westland Promotion Board for three years, and four years each with West Coast Tourism Development and West Coast Tourism Council. He was Director of the South Island Promotion Association from 1987 to 1994. He has volunteered with a range of other organisations including the New Zealand Fighter Pilots’ Foundation Trust, Wanaka Airport, Upper Clutha RSA, Wanaka A&P Show and Food for Love. Mr Fegan was previously a Westland District Councillor from 1989 to 1995 and a civil defence controller for Franz Josef from 1979 to 1995.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
– Westland District Council, Person of the Year, 1996
– New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal