Rural firefighter a quick study

WELL DONE: Jeremy Sharp, Masterton Stihl Shop owner, Daniel Marfell, firefighter and Rob Hood, operations manager for Wairarapa Rural Fire District.

It can take up to two years to qualify as a rural firefighter.

Mauriceville's Daniel Marfell has done it in nine months.

Mr Marfell, who joined the Mauriceville Volunteer Rural Fire Force in September, was yesterday presented with his certificate from the Wairarapa Rural Fire District, recognising his qualifications as rural firefighter and pump operator.

The WRFD's community and education co-ordinator Grant Detheridge-Davies said Mr Marfell had become a valued member of the fire force, regularly responding to incidents with the crew and helping to ensure the safety of the Mauriceville community and across the district.

"Daniel has taken advantage of every opportunity to attend training, which has involved both fortnightly Fire Force training as well as structured training courses to meet the requirements of the National Rural Fire Authority (NRFA) training standards.

"Daniel has achieved this level of training in less than nine months which is a very commendable effort, the NRFA allows up to two years to obtain the level to become a firefighter."

Wairarapa Rural Fire District acknowledges the support of Jeremy Sharp, owner of Masterton Stihl Shop, Mr Marfell's employer: "His support in ensuring Daniel could attend many of these courses is greatly appreciated."