Bernie presented Steve Shaw with his PHF last night at the monthly Fire Services meeting. Steve was very humbled by the presentation which was particularly special in front of his peers.
Bernie McKone, who is the current chair of the Paul Harris Fellowship Committee was joined by Neroli McRae to present the Paul Harris Fellowship at a Fire and Emergency Service meeting on 2nd April.
A Paul Harris Fellowship one of the highest awards any Rotary Club or Rotary International can bestow upon an individual and is reserved to recognise individuals for exceptional contributions they make to any humanitarian, educational or community program within their community. Our committee, made up from some Past Presidents and existing Paul Harris Fellows, resolved that Steve Shaw should become a recipient this year.
It is traditional for our Club to award Paul Harris Fellow as our recognition of a person whose actions demonstrate a shared purpose with the objectives of The Rotary Foundation.
The Award is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Steve is being acknowledged for this award because of his services to our community including long standing service in Fire and Emergency New Zealand in Cromwell from 1997 to 2021, when Steve stepped down to join the Brigade Operational Unit in 2021, as well as finding time to support Hockey in the region
We also acknowledge Steve’s long contribution to Fire and Emergency whilst in Gore from 1987 to 1997.
In June 2023 Steve was honoured with a Queen’s Service Order (QSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Hockey.
During his time in Cromwell, Steve was Chief Fire Officer for 14 years and during this time he brought changes to staff morale and wellbeing.
Steve also served the Hockey Association for seven years. He held leadership roles in the Central Otago Hockey Association, refreshing the organisation with a community focus, and was instrumental as a Board chairman in the formation of Southern Regions Hockey Inc.
In 2010 Steve was made a life member of the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and a Life member of the Central Otago Hockey Association.
Congratulations Steve.