Milton firefighting award recipients keep it in family

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Clutha Leader

Milton volunteer firefighters Donald Greene (47) and Alan Tapp, QSM (74) are related by marriage, and have shared 22 years parallel service with the South Otago town’s brigade.

Both men received 25-year service gold stars recently, Mr Greene his first, and Mr Tapp his second, after chalking up a record 50 years’ service to Milton.

Mr Greene — a saw doctor by trade — began his firefighting life at Kaitangata brigade, but changed allegiances to Milton after he married Mr Tapp’s niece, Jayne, who lived in the town.

He said he got into firefighting after watching local men extinguishing house fires in Kaitangata as a boy.

‘‘That got me interested. Then when I married Alan’s niece, he wouldn’t stop pestering me to come and join Milton, so eventually I did.’’

He said he was proud to receive the gold star, but doubted he would achieve Mr Tapp’s double-star feat.

‘‘It’s always been a goal of mine to reach this mark, and it’s in big part down to the support of my family. But Alan’s achievement is just amazing.

‘‘He’s done so much for the brigade over the years, I doubt anyone will ever match his contribution.’’

Mr Tapp, who received his QSM for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community in 2019, said he had never aimed to reach 50 years’ service, let alone with the one brigade.

‘‘It’s a big achievement. I’m the first in the 123 years of the brigade to do 50 years, so I feel pretty proud,’’ he said.

The former panelbeater put his longevity in the service down to continued fitness, and pleasure in serving his community.

‘‘That’s why we all...