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.
After 47 years of dedicated service, Senior Station Officer Sulu Devoe has made the decision to retire. Sulu has been a strong advocate for NZPFU members’ rights and terms and conditions of employment. He would always put firefighter safety and wellbeing front and centre, never failing to raise concerns with Fire and Emergency Management, sometimes ruffling feathers in the process.
An election for the Kawerau Local President position shall be conducted by electronic voting commencing at 0900 (9am) Monday 30 June 2025 and closes 1700 (5pm) Friday 11 July 2025.
An election for the Auckland Local Vice President position shall be conducted by electronic voting commencing at 0900 (9am) Monday 30 June 2025 and closes 1700 (5pm) Friday 11 July 2025.