The Order of St John Hauraki/Coromandel Service Awards at St George’s Church in Thames on August 30 saw volunteers and staff recognised for their service to Hato Hone St John.
There were 28 recipients at this year’s ceremony, representing a combined total of 375 years of service to the organisation.
The awardees came from all corners of St John: from volunteer roles as health shuttle drivers, op shop workers and caring callers; to paid positions as ambulance drivers, paramedics and management roles.
Their awards were presented by St John’s Northern Region patron and Knight of the Order of St John Sir Richard Blundell, and Commander of the Order Sharlene Howe.
Among those honoured was Commander of the Order Grant Hirst, who received a service medal for 50 years of service to the Order of St John.
Grant joined St John in Auckland in 1975. He has served in a number of roles in his time at St John, including as the Pukekohe station manager, Central East events operations support officer, paramedic, and a member of the area committee.
Grant was also the national motorsport team leader, developing a world class motorsport medical team. Grant currently serves as a health shuttle driver in Thames.
Several of the recipients also received Parliamentary Certificates of Appreciation, which were awarded by Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
Thames Coromandel District Council Deputy Mayor Terry Walker was one of the speakers at the service, and he commended the attendees for their efforts.
“When we talk about service awards, we’re not just counting years on the certificate,” he said.
“We’re talking about the late nights, early mornings, endless call outs and probably more cups of lukewarm instant coffee than anyone cares to admit. It’s dedication that doesn’t come from fanfare, but it makes a world of difference.”
AWARD RECIPIENTS
50 Year Service Medal: Grant Hirst; 35 Year Service Bar: John Armitt; 25 Year Service Bar: Jill Egan; Alison Kendall; Wendy Newman; 20 Year Service Bar: Yvonne Budliger; Terri Tuohy; 15 Year Service Bar: Penne Clayton; Dean Moffett; Jon Roath; 10 Year Service Medal: Lynnette Baudry; John Bishop; Jo Burton; Tricia Dawson; Jo Moriarty; Kris Purden; 5 Year Service Award: TeRau Allen; Jeremy Andrews; Amy Archer; Peter Burrett; Jill Burrett; Diane Collins; Jim Frear; Colin Hill; Althea Hill; Lucy Hobbs; Lisa Holmes; Gillian Reid.
Grant Hirst, left, with Scott Simpson. Grant, who joined St John in 1975, has been awarded his 50-year service bar. Photo: ALICE PARMINTER
Stellar service recognised at St John awards
