Obituary

Press, 30 August 1986, Page 6

Obituary

Mr L. R. J. Osmond

Mr Leslie Roy Joseph Osmond, chief fire officer in Christchurch from 1953 until his retirement in 1969, died at his home on Thursday after several years illness. He was 78. Mr Osmond began his career in the Fire Service in Dunedin at the age of 20 when he joined the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Brigade as an auxiliary fireman.

He became a member of the permanent staff in 1932, was promoted to station officer in 1937, to third officer in 1939, and

in 1941 was made deputy superintendent of the brigade. Mr Osmond joined the Christchurch Fire Brigade as deputy chief fire officer in 1949, and became chief fire officer in 1953. He was a graduate of the Institution of Fire Engineers and an honorary member of the New Zealand Officers’ and Members' Institute. He was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service in the 1965 New Year Honours. During Mr Osmond’s service in Christchurch the then Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board, took on many new responsibilities in an expanded district covering the whole metropolitan area and taking in Lyttelton. Several new stations were built in the suburbs, and as chief executive officer Mr Osmond took a leading part in the new headquarters fire station in Kilmore Street. The brigade moved there in 1962. Mr Osmond’s son

followed his father into the Fire Service and only last month was presented with the Gold Star for 25 years service by his father. Mr Osmond sen. was himself a holder of the Gold Star. Mr Osmond is survived by his wife and two adult children. The Funeral service will be held at St Michael and Ail Angels’ Church on Monday.