Matatā Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Dennis Receives King Service Medal
- Jessica Doney
- Sep 18
- 1 min read
Matatā's Chief Fire Officer Gavin Dennis presented with his King's Service Medal by Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House in Wellington yesterday.
Dennis was named in the King's Birthday Honours in June for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
The Rangitāiki Ward Councillor has held various ranks since joining the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1987.
Dennis played a key role in the response to the 2005 Matatā floods. He also instigated the brigade's successful Cadet Programme in 2014.
Dennis was one of three Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers to receive their King's Service Medal yesterday alongside Marius Bron of Fox Glacier and Alan (Curly) Troon of Taihape. The day also saw Ronald (Ron) Ealam of Oxford receive his New Zealand Order of Merit.
"These four recipients have dedicated years to supporting their communities to become stronger, safer, and more resilient through their roles as volunteers for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is wonderful to see their efforts recognised today," Fire and Emergency Board Chair, Rebecca Keoghan says.
"On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, we wish to thank you for your outstanding service - your communities are richer for your work," Keoghan says.
