Fire chief Ian Campbell presents Karl Tutty with his gold star.
The Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade honoured deputy fire chief Karl Tutty on Saturday, celebrating his 25 years’ of service.
Waipā support for Karl Tutty included from left, mayor Susan O’Regan, group manager Wayne Allan and former colleague Chuck Davis. Photo: Supplied.
Representatives from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades’ Association mingled with Tutty’s Waipā District Council workmates at the function in the Te Awamutu station.
Outside the brigade, Tutty serves as compliance manager at Waipā District Council. He recently became a Justice of the Peace and is also the district’s Civil Defence Emergency Management controller.
Mayor Susan O’Regan, speaking to a packed station – a testament to Tutty’s popularity and quiet commitment – expressed the council’s appreciation for his service.
Karl Tutty speaks after he was presented with his gold star by fire chief Ian Campbell. Photo: Supplied
“A quarter of a century of calls at all times of day and night, rushing to emergencies and somehow still showing up fresh-faced at council the next morning.
“One of the most classic sights around our council office in Te Awamutu is seeing him tearing out of the building the moment the fire alarm goes off – full of purpose, a bit of comedy and 100 per cent determination,” she said.
“It’s moments like those that really sum him up: reliable, passionate and ready to help at a moment’s notice. Through it all, he’s genuine, reliable and just an all-round top bloke. The community is lucky to have someone so dedicated,” said O’Regan.
Tutty has a high attendance in the brigade and is responsible for training compliance, peer support and wellbeing, fire safety and promotions and media liaison.
His personal nature and character provided invaluable input in personnel management and development, said fire chief Ian Campbell.
“This is represented in his movement up the ranks to his current position.”
He has had a long standing presence in the peer support role which not only interacts and supports members from within the brigade but also from the wider Waikato district.
Tutty was accompanied by his wife Felicity Jones and children Kayla, Marcus and Hallie who he acknowledged in a speech, along with fellow brigade members and the council.
Fire chief Ian Campbell presents Karl Tutty with his gold star. Photo: Supplied
