Firmin Field is the home of a number of major events in Kawerau and earned it's title from the towns first constable.
Constable William James Firmin was transferred to Kawerau in 1954 from Wellington. Bill and wife Sis or Cis Firmin, arrived shortly after the police station in Bledisloe Street was built.
Firmin had joined the police on 18 May 1943 and was to retire on 27 October 1978.
A keen rugby player, he had been chosen to represent Wanganui in 1932 and Wellington in 1943 and 1944. Later he became a senior rugby referee.
In 1940 he rowed in the New Zealand champion eights. Bowls was another game at which he excelled.
Firmin was appointed to the first Kawerau Advisory Committee in 1955. While stationed in the town Firmin took an active interest in the young people of the district.
He was instrumental in having an area off River Road established, a reserve set aside for sports and recreation centre, later to be named - Firmin Field. .
Bill was influential in the community helping establish the Kawerau 'Red' Rugby Club. Which had it's clubrooms at Firmin Field.
He held several positions at the club; being secretary in 1955 and President in 1958 until 1959. He was a foundation member of the Kawerau Bowling Club and was the Green Superintendent in 1956 and 1957.
He served on the Kawerau Advisory Committee from November 1955 until March 1959.
Bill was transferred to Khandallah in Wellington in 1959, his legacy lives on.
He received the British Empire Medal in 1966. On 5 October 1971 he was awarded life membership of the New Zealand Council of Sport.