Edendale Volunteer Fire Brigade

07/10/2026

11/09/2026

The siren.

We appreciate that the sound can be loud and startling, and somewhat annoying in the wee hours of the morning, but it's important to remember the critical role the siren plays in keeping our community safe.

For volunteer firefighters and first responders, the siren is more than just a loud alarm — it's a call to action. It helps alert brigade members that an emergency response is needed, often when every minute counts. Whether it's a house fire, vehicle accident, medical emergency, or vegetation fire, a rapid response can make all the difference.

Our volunteers give their time freely to protect our community, day and night. The siren is one of the most reliable ways to notify responders quickly, particularly in areas where mobile coverage, technology, or pagers may not always be sufficient on their own.

While the sound may be inconvenient for a few moments, it represents something reassuring: local volunteers mobilising to help a neighbour in need.

The next time you hear the siren, remember that someone in our community may be facing one of the worst days of their life — and our volunteer firefighters and first responders are answering the call.

It gets the job done, and we couldn't workout how to make our version of the bat signal 😉

07/09/2026

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to LIONS CLUB of Wyndham for their generous donation to the Edendale Medical First Response Trust (EMFRT).

This money was raised during their hay and balage competition held recently.

Thank you for extending an invite to your meeting last week; Op Support Firefighter, First Responder and Brigade Secretary Deborah Patterson went along to represent the EMFRT, and spoke about the role we play in the community.

Some people I am sure wonder what the community would do without us, but it works both ways. We cannot do what we do without the community, and amazing organisations such as these lending their support.

Thank you again for your generosity and continued support.

08/08/2026

The passing out of the red helmet.

Congratulations don't seem words enough for the occasion.

SFF Brad Thomas and SFF Nathan Dudley were, after hours of commitment, months of training and preparation promoted to Station Officers at Wednesday nights AGM.

This training...alongside the normal duties of the Brigade...alongside training the new upcoming Firefighters...alongside looking after our stations equipment and health and safety...alongside work and family, requires giving up precious spare and rare hours. Including the final course in Rotorua.

We are extremely proud.

We are also extremely grateful to their families for their sacrifice and support.

The Brigade is built by the community for the community. We are you, and we are here for you. And upskilling only grows how well we can serve you, so join us in celebrating the achievement of Brad and Nathan

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

23/07/2026

25 years of service.

A golden star.

Brendon, surrounded by his family, friends, crew, colleagues and more, was presented his 25 year gold star for his voluntary role within FENZ and in our community.

Made extra special by the fact he was the 4th member of his family to do so. Quite the legacy to leave and not one that will be easily replicated.

Tireless hours in training, in administrative roles and answering the siren simply to be of service to his community, to give help when help is needed because he can and is willing step up.

What amazing achievement.

What an honor it was to be there to celebrate this milestone.

Congratulations again Brendon, and thank you from your crew and your community.

09/07/2026

All smiles 😁... Op Support Fire Fighter Jill Smyth completed her light driver training to drive the First Response van 4133.

We are super lucky to have Jill in our brigade.

Another dedicated member upskilling to benefit her Brigade and her community.

Driving safety especially under lights and sirens is important. To help we need to get to the job as quickly as safely and legally possible.

Remember to check your mirrors regularly and if you see the van or the big red 🚒 don't panic. Just slow carefully and safely move to the side when you can.

Have a safe and happy long weekend
🌟 "Mānawatia a Matariki" 🌟

03/07/2026

Jellybeans and Edendale Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Having a great time, educating and hopefully inspiring the younger generation.

Nothing cooler when your little than a big red truck with lights and hoses....for that matter we all find it pretty cool too 😎.

Maybe all Volunteer Brigade members are just big kids at heart.

Thanks for coming along for a look Jellybeans. We loved having you. And thank you Alex and Pat for taking the time to show them the ropes

02/07/2026

Here we go again... being awesome!!

This time its Taryn Latta and Brendon Cameron in the lime light. They attended their Operational Support TAPS Course in Christchurch last weekend, where they attended classroom sessions and practical exercises including waterways, traffic management, lighting and generators, ladders, knots and lines as well as other tasks.

I'm sure many will recognise these faces both from many, many callouts and around the community.

We are very lucky to have Ops Support FF Taryn and Ops Support Senior Fire Fighter Brendon in our brigade and appreciate the knowledge, enthusiasm and experience they bring to the Ops Support and First Responder space.

Great work team!

26/06/2026

Congratulations to the one and only Pat Dickson

Pump Operator and Drivers Course done!

Without someone putting their hand up to do this job we would all arrive, get dressed up and have no place to go....or way to get there rather.
Nor would we be able to put the wet stuff on the hot stuff...which is important!!!

🔥 💦 🔥 💦🔥 💦 🔥 💦 🔥 💦 🔥 💦🔥 💦 🔥 💦

Thank you Pat! Thank you for the hours taken out of your days to study, learn the practical skills and complete the practical courses.

Your community and the crew appreciate you!

19/06/2026

Huge Congratulations to ...
Fire Fighter Varden Marcoux
Fire Fighter Danyon Ashman
Fire Fighter Lachie Shepherd
For passing their 7 day Recruit Firefighting Course.

The Edendale Volunteer Fire Brigade are so proud to welcome 3 new Fire Fighters back from Woolston Christchurch.

Thank you for volunteering for your community, we are lucky to have people ready to put up their hands, to learn the skills and be ready to help, and we can't wait to see you on the truck putting your new skills to use.

And thanks to SFF Brad Thomas and the crew that helped prepare these members for the gruelling course. I know they appreciate the time spent and knowledge they gained and could take with them to the course.

It was a particularly special passing out ceremony having Ex Fire Chief now SFF Brent Shepherd on hand to present Lachies Helmet and Sarah Ashman to present Danyons. A proud Dad and a proud Mum moment!!

Your Crew are proud and your community are grateful. Well done 👏👏