Rural firefighters dedicate flagpole

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Pendarves Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighters turned out to the station for a ceremony to dedicate a new flagpole and flag. PHOTOS SUSAN SANDYS
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Pendarves Volunteer Fire Brigade recently installed a flagpole, on which the New Zealand flag proudly flies.

Members turned out to the station for a ceremony to dedicate the structure to the brigade’s firefighters past, present and future.

Chief Paul Stewart and FENZ group manager Mike Johns spoke at the ceremony.

Stewart said the flying flag would be a constant reminder, to all who saw it, of the dedication and commitment volunteers showed their community and New Zealand.

FENZ group manager Mike Johns (from left) and Richard McArthur with chief, and piper, Paul Stewart during the Pendarves Volunteer Fire Brigade flag raising ceremony.

‘‘May this flag pole stand with flag flying as long as our community need our help,’’ Stewart said.

As the brigade’s longest serving member, deputy chief Richard McArthur had the honour of raising the flag.

Stewart, a piper, added a poignant touch as he played Highland Cathedral.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said flagpoles were at most stations around the country.

‘‘For those stations which don’t have them, we provide them if they are requested,’’ the spokesperson said.

Pendarves Volunteer Fire Brigade gather for the flag raising ceremony.