Gary Walker
  • 77, Male
  • Auckland
  • New Zealand
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Gary Walker's Friends

  • Michele Ferrell
  • Arron
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Gary Walker's Discussions

Christchurch has been hit with another quake.

Started this discussion. Last reply by Gary Walker Feb 26, 2011. 14 Replies

Firefighter Loses Life and 2 Others Seriously Injured

Started this discussion. Last reply by Gary Walker Apr 14, 2008. 12 Replies

 

Gary Walker's Page

Latest Nation Member Activity

Gary Walker's photo was featured

Tillerman

Seagrave ladder truck with Gary in the tiller seat
Feb 20, 2020

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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Comment Wall (22 comments)

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At 3:25am on March 15, 2009, Robert C. Baker said…
Gary, thats one fine looking model display, I also like the garage with the old truck in it and all the fire dept. collectables I saw around it, real nice.
BB.
At 6:39am on January 1, 2009, FireCat said…

At 2:51am on July 31, 2008, Niels Dehaemers said…
WAAuw nice

Grz colleter from belguim
At 4:32am on June 25, 2008, FireCat said…
Hi Gary -

Thanks for the well wishes!!

TCSS
Cat :o)
At 5:55am on May 15, 2008, Trevor Walsh said…

I see you have St Johns ambo up for sale.... Hmmmm, thinking about it............... Anyways, how are you mate...
I got to get more pics of my models up ....
Have a thought for a matchbox Merryweather Snorkel on a enclosed cab.... Haven't seen one yet, might be the 1st..
Take care mate...
At 8:20am on May 5, 2008, Tim said…
thank you Gary, don't know how that color scheme came about was before my time but is different. don't see many black, silver and orange trucks these days. lol
At 6:38am on May 5, 2008, Trevor Walsh said…
Cheers for that Gary,
I reckon this is a great site, thanks for the referral.
Teen & I have down graded to a 2 b/room flat as all the kids have moved out.
I have a 7m long wall in the garage to display my models (Still never enough room)
Hows things with you ?
Take care my friend...
At 2:25am on April 4, 2008, Cody Scott said…
Gary, Hi. I added three more pictures of the Mack. I'll Try and get some new ones on there for you. Take Care and Stay Safe
At 12:30am on March 28, 2008, Frederick Pettengill Jr. said…
Thanks Gary,Here is the link,,,,,,Fred http://www.editingmyspace.com/fire_rescue_medicaltext9.html
At 8:47am on March 26, 2008, Frederick Pettengill Jr. said…
Hi Gary all is well here, How's things down there?.....Fred
 
 
 

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