A 44-year stint working for Civil Defence has been an eventful one for South Canterbury's Graeme Broker.
Mr Broker, who clocked off from his Civil Defence duties at Christmas, was this week recognised for his long service, during which he was involved in events including a potential silo collapse at the Timaru Port in 1994 and the Opuha dam collapse in 1997.
However, South Canterbury's 1986 floods remained etched in his memory the most.
Mr Broker, of Temuka, recalled the township being cut off from civilisation.‘‘We had the army stranded in Temuka,'' he said.
That proved to be to Temuka's benefit, as the army helped in a multitude of ways, including the removal of ‘‘so much dead stock''.
Mr Broker was working for the Greymouth Borough Council when his involvement with Civil Defence started.
Three years later he shifted to Temuka where he worked for the Temuka Borough Council.
Timaru District Council (TDC) emergency management adviser Lamorna Cooper was grateful for Mr Broker's dedication and assistance over the years, particularly when she started her role.
‘‘I found Graeme's input and support invaluable,'' she said.
‘‘I came here very green ... seven years ago. He's given me a lot of support and information, and helped with the adjustment working with communities.
‘‘You can have all the plans in the world, but you need people that understand the job that needs to be done.
‘‘Graeme has had that knowledge and ability.''
In recognition of his efforts, Mr Broker received a certificate and medal, presented to him on Tuesday by Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew on behalf of Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye.
‘‘I enjoyed serving the community and in the volunteer role at Temuka, trying to keep enough people interested in the organisation to be able to respond to an emergency - and that was a challenge,'' he said.
- By Alexia Johnston
alexia.johnston@ timarucourier.co.nz
