Hastings man Brett "Gonzo" How put out fires for more than 30 years. It was all he ever wanted to do.
But the toxins he was exposed to as part of his job took a fatal toll on his body.
How died in January, 2018, aged 54. His death followed what is believed to be the first case in New Zealand where ACC has treated a firefighter's lung cancer as work-related.
Now How's wife Cherie Flintoff has been given an acknowledgement that his death was also work-related.
As discussed at the AGM, the Local is to trial making semi regular contact via e-mails to members highlighting items of current concern or attention as it pertains to the Tauranga Local and in particular its committee.
Members will, no doubt, be aware that the Independent Review of the NZ International Convention Centre Fire was released yesterday.
In accordance with Rule B.10.5.1 of the “Rules of the New Zealand Professional Fire Fighters Union INC”, nominations are called for the position of Hawkes Bay Local President due to a vacancy arising from the resignation of Hawkes Bay Local President Mike Manning.