Pātea firefighter Graeme Phillips to be recognised for 50 years' service 19 Jan, 2021 04:00 PM 3 minutes to read Volunteer firefighter Graeme Phillips is celebrating 50 years' service at the Patea Volunteer Fire Brigade. Photo / Nicky Gray Volunteer firefighter Graeme Phillips is celebrating 50 years' service at the Patea Volunteer Fire Brigade. Photo / Nicky Gray After 50 years of serving his community, Pātea volunteer firefighter Graeme Phillips is set to be recognised this week for his unparalleled service. Phillips, who was recruited as a volunteer into the Fire Police Corps in November 1970, is the first member of the Pātea brigade to reach 50 years of service based solely in the South Taranaki town.