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Sidwell Fire Station celebrates 50 years of selfless service

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, celebrated Sidwell Fire Station’s 50th anniversary.

During the celebration held at the Sidwell Fire Station, NMBM Executive Mayor, Cllr Retief Odendaal hailed fallen and present firefighters who continue to serve and protect NMB communities with dedication and humility.

Opened on 8 November 1972, the station is the City’s oldest operating fire station with a rich history as one of the busiest fire stations in the country.

Mayor Odendaal said apart from service delivery the Sidwell Fire Station was associated with its interactivity with the community.

“Today, we think back on its long and proud history of dedicated service to the community of the northern areas. It takes a special breed of person to be a firefighting officer. There may be a crisis at any moment. You must be ready at any moment to rush out to try and save the lives of community members or prevent a fire from spreading. Your own life may be at risk in the process. I do not think there is any other occupation in local government that carries with it greater urgency and greater risk, but also greater reward.”

“On behalf of the Mayoral Committee and City Council, I bring tribute to the dedication, selfless duty and hard work of every person serving at this fire station, both past and present. I know that some of our firefighting officers, such as Mr Achmat Ellie, have been serving the Municipality for 40 years and longer. What an amazing record of dedication and selfless service,” said Mayor Odendaal.

The Mayor was joined by Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Lawrence Troon in congratulating the officials and wishing the station 50 more years of excellent service.

While the station’s fallen firefighters were recognised and remembered during the ceremony, the Mayor also congratulated five officials for their 40 years of service.

Acting Fire Chief, Wayne Hendricks said: “It was a great honour to serve the Municipality for all these years and we will continue to do so. I’m thankful to the staff of Sidwell Fire Station for their dedication and commitment and we will continue to render our service to the community of the Nelson Mandela Metro.”

As part of the celebrations, the station will donate goodie bags to pupils of the Happydale Special School in Gelvandale.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.