Ranfurly chief fire officer James Hazlett has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in the King's Birthday Honours List for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community. 

When James found out about the recognition he said he felt blown away, humbled and incredibly honoured.

“I arrived home and my wife laughingly said, ‘you’ve clearly got one up on me this time’. Then she told me about the email.

“It seems a bit unreal now the date of the list is about to come out,” James said.

“As volunteers we give a lot but also receive many gifts in return. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to my family and community for their support and am humbled by this recognition.”

He joined the Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1985 and has been chief fire officer since 2005.

James led the integration of the Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Maniototo section of the Blackstone Rural Fire Force two years ago. 

He said a highlight in his FENZ career was this amalgamation of the urban and rural members to become New Zealand’s first combined brigade, along with making connections with people across New Zealand.

“[It’s] a privilege working with amazing teams to develop skills that in turn benefit the community and its members.” 

James has held various leadership and executive roles within the fire brigades association in Central Otago, and Otago Southland. 

Together with Jayne, James has put in years of community service which has impacted on their family life.

“I feel proud to be supported by my family and extended family to enable me to serve our community. Volunteer families are a special group of people,” James said.

He wants to inspire and support the next generation to follow in his footsteps.

“If I can help to lead or serve with a community group to make changes for the better then I feel I am doing my part. I value volunteering, the people and the precious time they give.” 

He has volunteered with the Road Crash Rescue Organisation, and with the St John Ambulance in Ranfurly for the past ten years.

Ranfurly’s St John’s School has him to thank for designing and establishing an off-road car park and garden area, and he served on the board of trustees for ten years and was chairman of the board for six of them. 

Curling is another area he’s made an impact. James joined the Ranfurly Curling Club in 1987, and was president from 1997 to 1999. He was the president of the Naseby Curling Council and went on to hold executive roles with the New Zealand Curling Association, including being president from 2012 to 2014.