Prime Mover author Warwick Johnson has reached his goal of gifting  Hato Hone St John a first response unit through money raised by sales of his memoir.

The book tells the story of how Warwick moved more than 25,000 buildings in a career spanning more than 60 years.

Warwick is a long-time patron of the St John charity. First response units support local communities on behalf of ambulances. The unit gifted by Warwick will serve the Benneydale community.

The Hato Hone St John first response unit was gifted at a ceremony this week, attended by Benneydale locals, friends and family, PGF Transport and Fire and Emergency personnel. It was officiated by Priory Chapter member Ken Williamson.

“Warwick has spent his life helping others and moving buildings, but he’s not forgotten his own roots,” Williamson said.

“His dedication to supporting his community with a new first response unit means he will continue to support Kiwis for years to come. Or, as he puts it, ‘This St John First Response Unit is a final tribute in my life’.”

Warwick commented: “It is in honour of my dear mother Hazel (nee Jack), her father Poppa Jack, my Christian upbringing and on behalf of my four children who currently live in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. I am proud to be a third-generation building removal specialist, which began in my teens until retiring 70 years later.”

Warwick was a recognised game changer in the building removal and moving industry, not just within New Zealand, but his work also influenced the industry in Australia. Warwick has had a significant impact on how building removals are performed today throughout Australasia.

Prime Mover is published by Long Haul Publications and is available to order online at www.nztrucking.co.nz/primemover.

The book costs $49.00. A $9.00 postage and handling fee will automatically be added during the checkout process.