Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Ian Blunt has been formally presented with a King’s Service Medal by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.

The award recognises more than four decades of service to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the wider community.

Blunt, 75, was among four Fire and Emergency personnel honoured at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington on Tuesday, with recipients recognised for outstanding contributions to emergency services and their communities, a media release said.

An Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade member since 1984, Blunt progressed from station officer in 1988 to chief fire officer in 2002, a position he still holds.

Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening emergency preparedness across the Bay of Plenty, building partnerships between Fire and Emergency, St John, Coastguard and local organisations.

One of his most significant achievements came in 2015 when he helped establish New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, rather than firefighters. The unit now responds to about 300 calls each year and has gained national recognition.

Blunt also secured sustainable funding for the Ōmokoroa station through community and corporate partnerships, allowing vehicles and equipment to be purchased without relying on volunteer fundraising efforts.

His service extends well beyond firefighting. Blunt has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, including serving as Commodore, and has worked to strengthen emergency response collaboration.

He has also contributed to fundraising activities at Ōmokoroa Point School and has been a long-serving member, chair and, of course, Ōmokoroa Golf Club superintendent.

Earlier this year, Blunt said the award left him stunned.

“I thought to myself, ‘wow’, and ‘oh crikey’. That someone would nominate me for this prestigious award was not something I’d ever thought about.

“I’m absolutely humbled, excited and proud, but I didn’t join the fire service for accolades. It’s always about helping people, and that’s been my catch-cry from day one.”

He had no plans to retire from the fire service just yet, as he was driven by helping save lives and property.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand board chair Raveen Jaduram said: “Our people being honoured ... have made outstanding contributions across Fire and Emergency, as well as fostering strong connections within their communities”.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements. We thank them ... Their communities are stronger because of their work.”