Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade

17/09/2026

Kicking off the first of our acknowledgements of supporters of our recent brigade van fundraiser.
These people or businesses have all contributed in some way towards the brigade being able to purchase a new to us Brigade Support van.

Terry Davis, Highland Events
Bill & Karen Sanders, KB,s Accomodation
Jeff & Elaine Walker.
Luke Win Peak RV
Electronet Cromwell

And a wee bit of a special donation to us from the Chettleburgh family in memory of their late father Tony Davis who was a past & life member of the brigade.

We thank you all.
Please support our supporting businesses where you can.

13/09/2026

Over the next couple of weeks we'll be acknowledging our supporters.
First up Cromwell Euchre Groups recent donation allowed us to purchase some helmet torches. This will allow us to kit out our our new recruits & firefighters with the equipment needed to do what we do.
Thank you Cromwell Euchre Group.

06/09/2026

The brigade was recently gifted this wonderful piece of art by the Waters & Riley families.
Author & artist, the late Alan Waters, Cromwell.
Thank you.

04/08/2026

Hey folks, a timely reminder around having flues & chimneys cleaned regularly & keeping fireplaces well maintained. Only burning good dry firewood reduces soot build up & therefore the risk of chimney fires.
We've had a couple of callouts recently related to the above issues.
Stay safe & warm.

01/08/2026

Some of the crew attended the Light Up Winter Cromwell festival last night.
Great to get out in the community, not on the job, just meeting people.

09/07/2026

At our recent monthly meeting, Jason Searle was handed his red helmet by DCFO Mike Borthwick, officially promoting him to Station Officer.
Congratulations Jason.

06/07/2026

Well it’s been a very busy first 6 months of 2026 for the Brigade with 114 call-outs (87 for the same period last year).
It’s too many and that’s not because it impacts on us, our families and employers BUT because it means 114 times people in our community were affected by an event that required an emergency response.
That level of impact will vary depending on the response that is required so here’s how we can reduce it.
- ensure you have working smoke detectors
- safely charge rechargeable batteries and devices
- ensure you dispose or ashes safely and where they will not set something else on fire before they are cold
- ensure all outdoor burning is carried out safely https://www.checkitsalright.nz/can-i-light-a-fire
- drive safely and especially drive to the conditions
For more info, head to https://www.fireandemergency.nz and check out the resources available to guide you.
Stay safe everyone.

19/05/2026

Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade – Sponsorship Opportunity
Help Us Purchase a Brigade Support Van

The Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade is seeking community support to help fund the purchase of a dedicated brigade van, with a target budget of $50,000 for a late model second hand van.
This vehicle will play an important role in supporting our volunteer firefighters by transporting members to:
• Weekly training practices
• Specialist training courses
• Community events
• Regional and national firefighting competitions
As this is not an operational emergency response vehicle, it is not eligible for funding through Fire and Emergency New Zealand. For this reason, our brigade must raise the funds independently.
We are proud to share that we have already committed $12,500 toward the purchase. We are now seeking sponsorships and donations from local businesses, organisations, and community members to help us reach our goal.
Why This Matters
Our brigade is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who give their time to protect and serve the Cromwell community. Ongoing training and participation in competitions are vital for:
• Maintaining high operational standards
• Strengthening teamwork
• Developing advanced firefighting skills
• Representing Cromwell at a regional and national level
How to Support
We welcome:
• One-off donations
• Business sponsorships
• Major funding partnerships
Every contribution, large or small, will help strengthen our brigade and support the safety and resilience of our community.
For sponsorship discussions or further information, please contact:
Mike Borthwick
Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade
Mob: 027 588 8779
Email: [email protected]
Or deposits can be made to:
Bank Account Name: Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade
Account Number: 06-0921-0005578-002
(Please use your name or business name as the payment reference so that we can thankyou)
Thank you for supporting your local volunteer firefighters.

07/05/2026

New leadership in the Brigade

Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade enters a new era as Phil Ryan takes over as Chief Fire Officer from Neil Gillespie. Read about the leadership change, the dedicated team of 35 volunteers, and what it takes to keep the community safe.

05/05/2026

Last night we held our 152nd AGM, at which our Cheif Fire Officer Neil Gillespie handed over the reigns & CFO helmet to Phil Ryan who was our current Deputy Cheif. Phil in turn handed the DCFO helmet & role to Mike Borthwick.
Thanks to Bobby Lamont our Assistant District Commander for officiating & speaking.
Many thanks to Neil for his years leading the brigade as the DCFO & CFO. Neil will continue to be active in the brigade as a member of the Operation Support team.
Congratulations to Phil & Mike.