Strong communities rely on people who step forward, especially in remote areas where every minute counts. Supporting colleagues who contribute their skills and time beyond the workplace helps strengthen local resilience and social value.
That support is practical, making it possible for people to train, respond when needed, and return safely to the work that keeps essential services running.
A real-world response on the West Coast
When a man fell 20 metres down a disused mine shaft on New Zealand’s West Coast, the first people to reach him were not only emergency responders. They were neighbours, friends, and volunteers.
Among them was Brittany Gibson, an OCS Contracts Manager in Westport and a member of the Brunner Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Training, teamwork, and calm under pressure
For Brittany, balancing professional responsibilities with community service is part of everyday life. Inspired by her grandfather’s firefighting service and the sound of the fire station alarms she used to hear from across the road, she joined the brigade two years ago.
“I figured if I was already awake, I might as well help out,” she says with a smile.
Since then, she has trained every week, responds to almost 40 callouts a year, and is now working toward full qualification as a firefighter. Her experiences have included fires, medical incidents, car crashes, and rope rescues, each requiring courage, teamwork, and calm under pressure.
Making community service possible through workplace support
Volunteer response work depends on trust and flexibility, and on employers recognising the importance of community involvement. Brittany describes the difference that support makes.
“I don’t think I could be as hands-on if I were with any other company. OCS allow me to take time off for training and attend emergencies at a moment’s notice. I don’t think any other employer would be as supportive or value community involvement as much as OCS do.”
The same mindset at work
At work, Brittany manages key West Coast customer relationships, including BT Mining and Buller High School, a CleanSweep Award winner. As in her firefighting role, she works as part of a team focused on keeping people safe, facilities reliable, and communities strong.
When asked what she values most about firefighting, she points to the people around her.
“We’re a little family. They have my back and are my biggest supporters and encouragers.”
