Grant Sinnamon Receives Gold Star for 25 Years of Service

Grant Sinnamon has been awarded the prestigious Gold Star medal in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service with the Omakau Volunteer Fire Brigade. The presentation took place during a ceremony in Ophir, where John Grenfell, representing the United Fire Brigades’ Association, commended Sinnamon’s commitment to the community.

Sinnamon’s journey with the brigade began shortly after he assisted firefighters during the Alexandra wildfires in 1999. At the time, he had recently moved to Omakau with his family when the devastating fire broke out. “All brigades in the area were called to help,” he recalled. Motivated to contribute, he approached the chief fire officer, Sam Leask, who dispatched him along with two other volunteers and a water tanker to support the firefighting efforts.

Reflecting on that pivotal day, Sinnamon noted, “What followed was a very long day and night, which sparked the beginning of me wanting to join the brigade.” His commitment to the Omakau community has remained unwavering throughout the years. Hearing the sirens often sparked a desire in him to help, leading him to formally join the brigade.

Over his quarter-century of service, Sinnamon has attended numerous calls, including medical emergencies, house fires, and vehicle accidents. He shared a memorable incident involving the rescue of two dogs, humorously noting, “I’m pretty sure they were the same dog.” One particular rescue involved a dog that had fallen off a hillside while chasing rabbits. With the assistance of mountain rescue, the dog was safely retrieved and unharmed.

The motivation to aid others during challenging times has kept Sinnamon actively participating in emergency responses and training sessions for 25 years. “I like going and helping people when they’re in serious situations,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the role.

Station officer Adam Rubie praised Sinnamon’s dedication, highlighting that he rarely misses a callout. “The gold star is one of the highest honours a volunteer firefighter can receive, symbolising not only longevity but also unwavering dedication to protecting the community,” Rubie explained. He noted that only 8% of firefighters achieve the 25-year milestone, making Sinnamon’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy.

Sinnamon expressed gratitude for the role the brigade plays in ensuring the safety of the Omakau community, as well as the broader regions supported by the Alexandra and Ranfurly brigades. “It has been a privilege to play my part in that over the 25 years, and I am committed to continuing into the future,” he affirmed.

This recognition not only celebrates Sinnamon’s personal achievements but also highlights the crucial role of volunteer firefighters in safeguarding communities. Their dedication and bravery are essential, as they respond to emergencies with commitment and resilience.