Good Sorts: Arthur Drower 

Source: ONE NewsArthur Drower

• WATCH the video (2:28)

Arthur Drower, a ONE News Good Sort, is a man who has created history by serving his community for six decades.

In 1949 at the age of 17, Arthur joined the fire service after his school caught fire.

In his time serving Tokoroa, he has seen plenty of firsts, like the first television fire in New Zealand.

He has also seen some of the local communities buildings go up - twice. He especially remembers when the local RSA went up in flames.

"On that one, a few spuds which the RSA had there... we popped them in the embers and that. Yeah, good one," Arthur told ONE News.

Arthur's reason for sticking at it for six decades is because of the people.

"Good mates around, you lose some, you gain some and that's what life's about.

"Been excellent all my life; I wouldn't swap it for nothing else," says Drower.

Friends, family and colleagues gathered on Saturday night at Tokoroa Fire Station to honour Drower and his commitment to the community.

Arthur Drower is the first New Zealander to serve 60 years in the fire service, and although he's retiring his legend will live on on the wall of Tokoroa's Fire Station where his image is part of a memorial.

Do you know someone who is a "good sort" that ONE News should talk to? Click here to nominate them.

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TheHoltens ; 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT  

The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)

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simplicity ; 2009-11-15 @ 22:41 NZDT  

Arthur Drower What an amazing man 60yrs in the fire service and 21 in St Johns, Funeral is at 11am Tok Club then He will take his last call from the fire station where he will be driven in a fire truck pass his house and back to the station, The Ambulance that he first drove will be driven down with 10 of the Auckland Ambo Team. Firemen from all around NZ will be making there way to what I am sure will be the largest Funeral that Tokoroa has seen. I am proud to have known a man so warm & Caring

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tabby ; 2009-11-01 @ 21:49 NZDT  

For 2 years Tapai was someone who made our day as I took my daughter to chemo everyweek. You are a blessing to so many and I pray Gods blessings upon your life thank you so much Tapai, my daughter died but just loved seeing you and if you were not there we would go oh no now where to park. thanks you so much keep blessing other people as they go through this time in their life.

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roset ; 2009-09-27 @ 18:03 NZDT  

Gill Fahey has done more than anyone can ever know for waifs and strays, new comers, neighbours, friends, family and strangers. She is the genuine example of a silent angel.

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nolaann ; 2009-09-14 @ 16:57 NZDT  

How can I find out about becoming a volunteer in a programme like this. I enjoy talking to people from other places.

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