Around 70 people from across Hauraki and the Coromandel were recognised in a ceremony on August 19, for their dedication to Hato Hone St John.
A whopping 1115 combined hours’ worth of service was racked up between the recipients, whose roles ranged from employed paramedics and emergency service responders; volunteer caring callers, opportunity shop workers, friends of the hospital, transport drivers; and more.
The ceremony, held at the Thames Union Parish in Thames, was a chance for the organisation to show its appreciation for their hard work.
Awards handed out included 5-year service pins, 10-year service medals, and bars for 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service.
One award recipient, Don Mahoney, received his 55-year bar of service. The bar, to be attached to his previously-awarded 50-year service medal, recognises the longest serving and most dedicated members of St John. Don joined St John in 1966 and was made a Member of the Order of St John in 1994. He is currently a paramedic at Thames Ambulance Station.
Coromandel MP Scott Simpson handed out parliamentary certificates of appreciation for those celebrating 20 or more years of service.
“We have a rugged, geographically challenging region, we have weather, we have a [mature community],” Mr Simpson said.
“This is an organisation that remains true to the values of the founders… [and] apply those values today.
“An event of this sort is a physical manifestation of the thanks we give as a community.”
Mayors Len Salt and Toby Adams were also in attendance to celebrate the dedication of their community members, as was St John’s patron Sir Richard Blundell.
Sir Blundell said he was proud of the dedication the recipients have shown to the community.
“The service award is for exemplary service,” he said.
“We look after people of every race, creed and colour in this country.”
