By Jessica Sutton
The Evening Standard
PALMERSTON NORTH, New Zealand — When Woodville’s chief fire officer, Eric Bonny, joined the Fire Service 34 years ago he just wanted to “make a difference” in his community - never did he imagine he’d be receiving a Queen’s Birthday honour.
The 59-year-old who was born and raised in the Tararua town was today awarded a Queen’s Service Medal.
For more than three decades, Mr Bonny has been part of the Woodville Volunteer Fire Brigade and has been its chief fire officer since 2006.
Wanting to do his bit for Woodville, he joined the Fire Service.
“I prefer to work in the background,” he said.
“I wanted to do something for the community and I thought ‘where can I make a difference?”’
When he isn’t fighting fires, Mr Bonny is working at the Tararua District Council as its utilities engineer. He has worked at the council for 25 years.
Mr Bonny is an honorary life member of the fire brigade and has received a Gold Star from the United Fire Brigades Association for 25 years of service.
He has also received a Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
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