A 74-year-old Christchurch firefighter continues to be one of Sumner Fire Station’s most dedicated volunteers after over two decades of service.
Paul Groufsky joined the brigade at an age when many were contemplating retirement, following the sudden death of his wife Paula in 1993.
“I’d been at home after the death of my wife and caring for our four children,” he said.
“I left work then and had to get these children through … so I had to be the strong one.”
He’s now earned the nickname “Grandad” from his fellow firefighters at the station.
“That’s not because he’s old. It’s because he’s the person that will look out for everybody,” one firefighter told 1News.
He was nominated as a Good Sort by his fellow firefighters, who say he’s always in the brigade and always looking out for others.
“I’ve been to a number of very serious calls and there’s been a fatality and Paul’s there to ask me if I’m alright,” one said.
The firefighter, who lives near the station, serves as the primary driver for emergency responses during the day.
His fellow firefighters say while he might be older than the others, he’s not a mascot.
Despite his age, he maintains all necessary qualifications, serving as a fully operational firefighter, handling driving duties and pump operations.
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