Life of volunteer service to fire brigade | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Sirens wailed and a 40-strong guard of honour lined Kerikeri's Cobham Rd as veteran firefighter Ted Dawson made his final journey aboard a vintage Ford V8 fire truck.

Mr Dawson, 69, died on January 14. He was farewelled with full Fire Service ceremony on Friday, culminating with a slow drive-by of the Kerikeri Fire Station as his fellow firefighters stood to attention.

His service at Kingston House was attended by about 120 people, including current and former firefighters from Kerikeri, Russell, Kaikohe, Mangonui and Warkworth, where Mr Dawson began his volunteer service more than 27 years ago.

Kerikeri fire chief Les Wasson said Mr Dawson was an "absolutely exceptional guy".

"Nothing fazed him. He'd lend a hand to anybody."

Brigade secretary Don Kemp, one of the speakers at the service, described Mr Dawson as "a quiet type".

"But he'd always speak out if someone wasn't being treated right. He wouldn't sit back and let it happen. He didn't care about rank or seniority, he'd say what he thought. You knew where you stood with Ted."

Mr Dawson was the first contact for many young recruits because it was his job to explain how the brigade worked and what was expected of new members.

In 2010 he was awarded a gold star for 25 years service. A pharmacist by profession, until recently he worked part-time in horticultural research.

He is survived by his wife Jane, daughter Kelda (UK), son Barry (Kerikeri) and four grandchildren.