“Super humbling”, is how Lake Taupō Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Mike Bush describes the function to mark his 25 years in the fire service (New Zealand Fire Service and now Fire Emergency New Zealand).
His gold star was awarded at a function that included Taupō MP Louise Upston, Taupō Mayor John Funnell, senior brigade members and other gold star holders.
“To have the recognition and hear the kind words … it’s super humbling, and it's just mind bending how spoiled you get with gifts and recognition and records and the gold star and life-membership of the local brigade.”
Bush, or Bushy as he is known by many, became deputy around a year ago after progressing through other roles, he says.
“Happy to be in a leadership role, along with our fire chief Tony Nield…
“We have a very progressive recognition of service system that goes through from three years to then five years and every two years till you get to 24, then you achieve your 25-year gold star. And it's a great recognition. It's quite humbling to get a 25-year gold star though, to finally get to wear that nice piece of gold.”
Bush is well known for his sporting achievements, having completed 10 New Zealand Ironmans, 30 Rotorua marathons, 20 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenges.
“And I just forget how many half marathons. So, been busy, but enjoy staying fit and trying to inspire other people to get a bit fitter and just step out of their comfort zone, get into an event and get across the finish line of whatever it is. I love motivating others.”
This desire to get others involved stretches to his role with the LTVFB.
“We're quite fortunate with our brigade. We get a lot of people just turning up or they get shoulder tapped by other people that have already joined and they turn up on a Tuesday for the first time and say: ‘Hey, I've been thinking about it for a while. I'd like to have a look.’ So, we get that first 30 seconds to make the best first impression. And we have great success with engaging great people from the community.
“Taupō’s pretty well protected with our pay crew down on Lake Terrace and nearly 40 of us up at Matai Street at our Lake Taupō volunteers. So, love seeing the new people and a lot of younger people coming. It gives you hope for the future.”
He’s prepared to roll with the jibe that the award is a way of locking him in for another 25 years.
“That’s the hidden agenda, I think, very subliminal. I'd say, I'll carry on. I got this. But I love to inspire other people and keep people involved. Tony and I work really well as chief and deputy and with our leaders. It's a key to a strong brigade with a great vibe.”
