Lot 1723

Description

National Fire Police Assn Of NZ, struck in silver (30mm), with (2) 5 Years Service bars, on ribbon with bars and pin-back buckle suspension, by D.B., reverse inscribed 'N.V./Nigro/Oct. 1977' (O&D.116). Extremely fine.

Some members of Fire Police Corps saw a void in the late 1960s: no organisation to represent them with no opportunity for fire policemen to meet and discuss affairs that were of interest to them. Taranaki and Auckland, among others, formed provincial associations of Fire Police Corps to provide local contact between Fire Police. This led to thoughts of a national organisation.

In 1969 at Wanganui 15 Corps were interested enough to consider forming a nation-wide organisation of fire police. A UFBA representative who was present reiterated that membership of the UFBA was not on for Fire Police, but he offered no objection to the proposed National Association of Fire Police. In fact he said it could be formed under the stewardship of the UFBA. The new organisation was founded then and there. This representation of Fire Police continued with the National Fire Police Association holding Annual Meetings at various locations, also attended by a senior executive of the Fire Service. The Association designed and struck its own Fire Police service medals. Thus, in many cases, volunteer service by fire policemen was tangibly recognised for the first time. (Some Fire Police had, however, previously been receiving service honours provided by Fire Boards).