James ‘Jimmy’ Shaw, who’d been a vollie with the brigade for 55 years, making him one of New Zealand’s longest-serving firefighters, died in July, 2022.
Now his brigade has established ‘The Jimmy’, recognising good deeds in the community and aspects of the work the fireys do.
Volunteer Sam McKeown came up with the idea for the award given the ever-increasing number of callouts they’re attending.
"It is nice to be recognised by our peers ... for the work we put in."
The recipient of The Jimmy is chosen by Arrowtown fireys, following nominations, and presented at their two-monthly meetings.
The first recipient is senior firey Alex Holden, to reflect his work ethic and dedication to the job.
Holden says he’d nominated others to receive the award, and was "honoured" to receive it himself.
"It was nice to win the award and be recognised for some of the stuff that I do behind the scenes for the station," he says.
"It was pretty special to get the award, having worked closely with Jimmy in the past."
Along with frontline work, Holden organises weekly training, supports new firefighters, is a representative on the equipment review panel and manages rescue reviews.
— OLIVIA JUDD
