Obituary of Mike "Sooty" Barratt: In remembrance of a lifetime of dedication and service, loved ones grieve: Continue Reading

 We regret to inform you of Mike "Sooty" Barratt's demise. He passed away quietly over night. Both the communities he served with such passion and the Fire and Emergency New Zealand family are grieving his death.

In addition to being a well-liked coworker, Sooty served as a friend, mentor, and guiding light for many firemen, brigades, and their families. He left behind a legacy of steadfast dedication, compassion, and exceptional leadership after an incredible 55 years of service to the New Zealand Fire Service and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

A Life Committed to Giving Back

Over fifty years have passed since Sooty started his fire department career, and he has remained unwavering in his commitment. As he advanced to the position of Volunteer Support Officer in the Waitematā region, he became an essential resource for volunteer brigades, making sure they had the tools, direction, and support they required to succeed. His contribution went well beyond administrative responsibilities; he was the epitome of the volunteer spirit, constantly putting others before himself and setting a good example.

Coworkers remember that Sooty was always reliable, regardless of the time of day. Regarding him, several people commented, "Nothing was ever a problem." "No matter the time of day, Sooty would always be on the other end of the phone." He was the guy that many people turned to in difficult times because of his dependability, tolerance, and wisdom.

A Friend and Mentor to Many

Sooty was much more than just a professional presence to those who served with him; he was family. As a mentor, he taught firefighters of all ages the importance of compassion, teamwork, and resilience in addition to the technical aspects of the job. For those who were lucky enough to work with him, his capacity to listen, mentor, and inspire made a lasting impression.

In order to make firemen and their families feel supported, he frequently went above and beyond his official responsibilities and developed close friendships. His kindness flowed throughout every interaction, whether he was providing reassurance at difficult times or sharing a chuckle after a long shift. Many people in the fire service felt more at ease and confident when he was around.

A Durable Heritage

The innumerable lives that Sooty impacted along the road are a better indicator of his impact than his years of service. His impact will continue to reverberate throughout the fire service community, affecting both new recruits and seasoned officers. Future generations will be inspired by the level of excellence and dedication he demonstrated over the course of 55 years.

His demise is a great loss for the larger community he served with loyalty as well as for Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Being a volunteer himself, he was aware of the difficulties and sacrifices involved in the position, and he made it his goal to make sure others felt appreciated and supported.

Goodbye to a Real Foundation

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, his cherished wife May, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him as we grieve his passing. The only thing that eases the pain of losing Sooty is the understanding that his incredible connections, contributions, and leadership will always be remembered.

The name of Mike "Sooty" Barratt will always be associated with loyalty, generosity, and unflinching service. The firefighters he trained, the families he assisted, and the brigades he strengthened will all carry on his legacy.