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After 36 years as a firefighter, Colin Russell still vividly remembers the first fatal incident he attended – for all the wrong reasons.
He was still a teenager, a fresh recruit as an urban officer in Dunedin, and was called out when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car at a busy … View moreAfter 36 years as a firefighter, Colin Russell still vividly remembers the first fatal incident he attended – for all the wrong reasons.
He was still a teenager, a fresh recruit as an urban officer in Dunedin, and was called out when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car at a busy intersection. The scene was gruesome.
“[I] sort of put [myself] in his place – just walking along the street in town and then next thing boom.
“All those thoughts run through your head when you put yourself in his space and that's not where you want to go.”
Things were different in those days. Russell received little support and was told to brush it aside and enjoy a cup of tea after returning to the station.
Nowadays, Russell is the operational readiness and support manager for 16 volunteer brigades in the Hurunui and Kaikōura areas, overseeing about 300 people.
The role was formed in September following a national restructure at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz).
Russell said Fenz had recognised the need for welfare and support a few years ago, particularly after the Canterbury earthquakes.
“There are very good support systems in place [now].”
Russell, armed with a bachelor degree in psychology, could draw on his many experiences to help for the volunteers under his command.
Rural firefighters and those in small towns were often the most affected by trauma, as there were “only one or two degrees of separation” between them and the person they were helping, he said.
“[I’m] making sure they've got the support in the brigades, so they know they can reach out and get some help.”
After his start as an urban officer in Dunedin, Russell spent 25 years in Invercargill and became a manager. In 2011, he was called in to help with the response to the Canterbury earthquakes – the largest event he had ever had to cover.
“Just the scale of that – you're never going to forget that.”
Russell became an officer development manager in Rotorua, where he helped train of firefighters in incident management and leadership for three years.
“The great thing was you got to connect with the whole country ... it was really cool to put a finger out to all these little brigades and meet people.
He then began a managerial role in Christchurch, mainly working on forming policies, but he yearned to be in the community and helping frontline staff. He achieved that when he took on the role supporting the Hurunui and Kaikōura volunteers.
“[I was] doing some significant work in the big picture stuff, but you have to be careful to keep it balanced and remembering where you came from.”
In the little spare time Russell has, he can usually be found on the golf course or digging into his numerous studies.
It was important for firefighters to have hobbies to unwind from the pressures of the job, he said.
So far, he has completed a diploma in sports studies, a post graduate diploma in emergency management, a bachelor of psychology, and a few other management qualifications.
“I'm always in that learning mode. Study almost becomes a hobby, I always joke that I’ve spent 25 years at university,” he said.
“It's been a bit of a distraction as well because you get to focus on whatever you're learning at that particular time.”
Russell planned to do more study in the new year, but his key focus was returning to work and doing all he could to support the North Canterbury community and his firefighting “family”.
“Thirty-six years later I'm still here and loving it and not looking at doing anything different.
“You really feel a sense of worth that the job you're doing for the community fills that need ... there's purpose in abundance.”
It can be emotional to say goodbye to a home you have made memories in. We are here to support you in your transition, and help to make it stress-free. A massive part of that is connecting you with an agent you trust.
Ryman’s Peace of Mind Guarantees are designed with your protection in mind, giving you the confidence to live the way you want and to embrace every opportunity.
Take Ross for example. He’s a Ryman resident who began his musical journey at the age of 65. His ‘no worries’ lifestyle has … View moreRyman’s Peace of Mind Guarantees are designed with your protection in mind, giving you the confidence to live the way you want and to embrace every opportunity.
Take Ross for example. He’s a Ryman resident who began his musical journey at the age of 65. His ‘no worries’ lifestyle has meant that ten years later, Ross plays in several bands and tours in different towns playing music on a guitar he made himself. A little certainty provides great reassurance in knowing you can pursue the things you love in retirement, without any worries.
For full details on our Peace of Mind Guarantees visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz
A poor meal choice landed a threatened native bird in rehab for half of her young life, but this weekend she was finally able to return to the skies.
The young New Zealand falcon – or kārearea – was released by rescuers on the outskirts of Hanmer Springs on Sunday, after eight months … View moreA poor meal choice landed a threatened native bird in rehab for half of her young life, but this weekend she was finally able to return to the skies.
The young New Zealand falcon – or kārearea – was released by rescuers on the outskirts of Hanmer Springs on Sunday, after eight months recovering at the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust in Blenheim.
The juvenile female, daughter of a well-known pair who live in the heart of Hanmer Village, bit off more than she could chew last May, when a small dog caught her eye.
Read more here.
Treating yourself this Summer is healthy after a year like 2021! Have some fun, smile and reconnect with loved ones but before 2022 gets hectic COMPARE.SAVE.REPEAT.
It’s easy as, just sit down over a cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy! Have a look at your pesky bills and compare … View moreTreating yourself this Summer is healthy after a year like 2021! Have some fun, smile and reconnect with loved ones but before 2022 gets hectic COMPARE.SAVE.REPEAT.
It’s easy as, just sit down over a cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy! Have a look at your pesky bills and compare what's out there using Broadband Compare and Power Compare. We launched these sites to help Kiwis all over, compare providers and plans so you can save money or find something that just better fits your needs. So easy, you can do it at the beach in between swims!
I found this dog collar attached to a fence wire about 5 metres from the Mike Kean Walkway sign today. Left it there so hopefully the owner finds it.
Hi, I have a few tomato plants for sale. $1-$3 each.
I'm also selling awesome raspberry plants if interested.
Message me with your phone number to work out a pickup time - Rangiora pickup.
Cheers
Variety's Fishing Comp has launched so you can go fishing and reel in a Ford Puma!
Buy a ticket from a participating Ford dealership and register online and be in to win a brand-new Ford Puma.
There are loads more fabulous prizes, including OKUMA fishing gear, Fish City vouchers, a NZ … View moreVariety's Fishing Comp has launched so you can go fishing and reel in a Ford Puma!
Buy a ticket from a participating Ford dealership and register online and be in to win a brand-new Ford Puma.
There are loads more fabulous prizes, including OKUMA fishing gear, Fish City vouchers, a NZ Fishing News subscription and much more.
Proceeds from Variety's Fishing Comp will aim to support 500 families who are struggling to put food on the table this summer.
click here for more info and the live leaderboard
I am trying to contact Ginny and David Rumbold from Hoonhay. There was an article on Stuff about their cat. Could anyone that knows them please pass on my number to them. Thanks - Sue Heazlewood 021 722 497
Hi Neighbours...I have a sliding two door hotwater/linen cupboard which needs the tracks replacing, as it can't close properly. Any suggestions as to who might do such work?
Flatmate wanted on a lifestyle block. Lovely modern 2 story home with mountain views. Property is in Cust to share with one other.
Our office is closed until 5 January 2022. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season 🎄🥳
You can use your online service MyMSD 24/7 bit.ly...
Have other questions? You can contact MSD Senior Services on 0800 552 002. Please note this line is closed on public holidays.
With draining shelf and ice tongs which are stored in the lid. Contact me on 02108437041
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