Bob Channing

68, Male

Otahuhu, Auckland

New Zealand

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer
Job Function
Auxiliary/On Scene Support
Years in Fire/EMS:
19
Primary Fire/EMS Department:
Henderson Volunteer Fire Brigade, Henderson, Auckland NZ
Years With Department/Agency
2.5
Dept. Web Site:
http://www.hendersonfire.co.nz
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
Auckland Volunteer Fire Police Corp. (14.8 years)
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade (2 years)
St. John Ambulance, Northern Region. Patient Transport Officer. (3.5 years)
Henderson Volunteer Fire Brigade (2 years)
Total years Served 18.8.
My Training:
Pump Responce, Vehicle Extrication Course.
Various NZFS training courses. Pump Operator. BA training course.
Emergency Responce Driver's Course.
Primary/Co-responders First Aid Course.
Primary Care Level 1 course.
Pre-Hospital Care Course.
About Me:
The HVFB is a 20 man strong team of dedicated men and women serving the Henderson and surrounds District. The station is manned by a full time, career crew 24/7 and they are supported by us Volunteers on week nights and weekends/public holidays. We currently have a Mitsubishi Shogun type 6/3 pump, an Environmental Protection Unit and a station van (that I run). The career firefighters run a Scania type 6/3 pump/rescue truck. Our station number is 65 with appliances numbered as 657 (career p/r) 651 (volunteer pump) 6529 EPU (volunteer manned and maintained) and 6429 my van. I am the only Operational Support Officer in this brigade and my duties are to assist with anything, other than the actual fire fighting.
Day Job:
Bus Operator for the City of Auckland
Relationship Status:
In a Relationship
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
I like being a volunteer. I'm an Operational Support Officer. I love doing a service for my fellow mankind.
Update 27-07-08. Resigned my position in the brigade. Long Story. Won't bore you with it. Still interested in being part of this group.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
Helping people in their hour of need.

Comment Wall:

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  • Mark Montgomery

    Hey Bob

    I wondered when you might find your way here from Henderson :-D

    I have started a group called Kiwi Firefighters

    Jan 12, 2008

  • FireGuru

    Nice selection of photos Bob. Your kit in NZ is very similar to ours in the UK. We have just changed over from Dennis Rapiers and Sabres to the latest Scania trucks. Fair to say they are not as good. Nice to see an RS and SS in there too... Adam.

    Aug 1, 2008

  • Bob Channing

    Hi there Adam. Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately the Dennis's are a bit too underpowered for some of our terrains. The Dennis we had at Henderson could not climb some of the hills in our area, it was very slow going up them. So now it has been moved on to a brigade in the South or Auckland's district called Clevedon. The area is much flatter. We now have the Mitsubishi Shogun. Much more powerful.
    Our Scanias are quite powerful too. Most are combination Pump/Rescues. The NZFS have discided to go Scania for their ruggedness and strength. The NZFS is also, now bringing into serve many Scania-Bronto aerials. Mostly 35m booms. They are also getting new Mercedes-Bronto Aerials with the articulated booms. Unfortunately I have no photos, yet, of them but will endeavour to get some soon.
    And just a small note: I have resigned my post in the fire service due to illness. So my connections with the FS will be limited from now on.
    Regards Bob.

    Aug 1, 2008