Murray Gane, Te Awamutu, QSM
For services to the New Zealand Fire Service. Mr Gane has been a volunteer firefighter in Te Awamutu for more than 30 years. In 1998 he was appointed Chief Fire Officer, a position he held until 2007. Mr Gane won the respect of community leaders and the Te Awamutu community for his commitment, professionalism and leadership. He encouraged the brigade members to embrace the Community fire safety concept and the Community Risk Model to ensure that the Fire Safety message was well spread throughout the Te Awamutu community. He has worked closely with St John and the New Zealand Police. As the owner of a plumbing business, he encouraged his staff to train as volunteer fire fighters, despite the inconvenience and cost to his business.