Gary Walker

77, Male

Auckland

New Zealand

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Captain, Retired

Years in Fire/EMS:

28

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

New Zealand Fire Service, Auckland

Years With Department/Agency

28

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.fire.org.nz

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.fanz.net.nz

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Strangely, I am not somebody who always wanted to be a firefighter one day, nor is firefighting in the family. However I have been in uniform for most of my life which may have something to do with it. As a child all my schools were uniformed and I was also a member of the ATC and the Boys Brigade. I did have a desire to go into a uniformed public service when I left school and tried out for the police, however I missed out on height for which there was a minimum requirement at the time. For some reason, which is pretty hazy to me now, I decided to join the RNZ Army. This turned out to be a good move and I learnt a lot in those 4 years, as well as gaining my license to drive almost anything with wheels.
When the time came to return to civy st. I had decided that I would like to go driving big rigs long distance, which paid well and seemed like a great way to see the country. Just prior to leaving the Army I befriended another soldier who told me he was off to Aussie and had arranged to join up with the Melbourne Fire Brigade. He said they were looking for new recruits, particularly ex military personnel and that the pay was excellent. Sounded great to me and we decided to go together just as soon as we could. However, just at the last moment, my friends mother died and he had to change plans. I didn't want to go over alone and decided to go back to plan A, and apply for a trucking job. I made a few applications which seemed quite positive but was placed on a waiting list for some considerable time. Meanwhile the excitement of going to Melbourne to join the fire dept had not worn off and I started to wonder about opportunities here in NZ. Anyway I applied and got snapped up immediately, I guess because of my military experience and licenses. Now here I am 42 years later after serving 28 years in the dept and still living it after 12 years in retirement. If I could start over I guess I would want to join the Fire/EMS for any of the reasons most of our FF Nation members gave, but I thought it might be of interest to you to tell my story. I,m sure there must be a few more stories similar to mine where there was a series of circumstances resulting in joining up.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Job satifaction through service to the community i.e. WAS! I am now retired.

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