Deputy fire chief swaps hats

It's been more than 16 years on the job for Martinborough's deputy fire chief John Hunter, who has decided to retire from his fire fighting duties at the end of this month.

Mr Hunter can recall many jobs over the years - including being called out a few times to rescue a stuck cat.

"It's mainly just to give the owners a bit of comfort," he said.

"The cat's been up the tree a couple of days and they're starting to stress."

Mr Hunter said in a similar case, the brigade also had to rescue a fox terrier which was stuck in a drain.

"We've had good time," he said.

Mr Hunter said the camaraderie found in the brigade kept him there so long, after joining with his mates.

"Back in those days most of my friends were involved in the brigade. I found it quite a worthwhile thing, giving back to the community and being a member."

He has also been involved in the road crash unit, Wairarapa Fire Brigade sub-committee and inter-brigade sports events.

"That's always been good fun," he said.

Mr Hunter has a few projects to finish - which includes restoring a vintage fire engine and painting his boat - which has brought on his decision to retire.