Our People

Auckland Operational Support had never had a Patron. 75 years seemed a long time to be without one so it was decided to look for a suitable person to fill the role, an appointment which would be made during 2008, to tie in as part of the Unit's 75th anniversary celebrations. Thus at the 75th Annual General Meeting Chief Fire Officer Jim Smith announced the unanimous election of the Unit's inaugural Patron.

David Neil

Until his 2008 retirement, David Neil was for many years a senior executive officer with the New Zealand Fire Service in Auckland during which time he was a keen supporter of the Unit. He accepted the Unit's invitation to be its Patron and was installed to the position on 15th September 2008.