The efforts of those involved with the Southern Rural Fire Authority were recognised at an awards ceremony last night.

Principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said the awards, held for the first time last year, recognised firefighters who earned level two and three Fire and Rescue Services national qualifications, as well as individual recognition for people who had contributed to the authority during the year.

There were also awards for best-kept fire depots, including equipment and fire engines, based on annual audit results.

Throughout New Zealand, rural fire operated with the assistance of volunteer fire teams and agency firefighters from organisations that had a legal responsibility for rural fire, such as those in the forestry industry.

"It's important to southern rural fire staff we acknowledge the hard work of our volunteer and agency firefighters.

"It's not often these teams get together outside of a fire event and we feel it's an important way of connecting our firefighters and showing our support for the great work they do," Mr Grant said.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority was formed in 2003. Results:

Individual Recognition: Dave Taylor - Services to the Southern Rural Fire Authority board (2003-2012); Trevor Tidey - Services to Southern Rural Fire Authority (2003 - 2011).

National Certificates in Fire and Rescue Services Level 3: Michael McLees - Blackmount Volunteer Rural Fire Force; David Coveney - Blackmount Volunteer Rural Fire Force.

National Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services Level 2: Stephen Milne - Southroads, Lumsden; Keri Tuna - Department of Conservation, Invercargill; Graeme Miller - Department of Conservation, Invercargill.

Fire Depot Awards - Category 1 (More than two vehicle or trailer kits): 1st Athol Volunteer Rural Fire Force (91%); 2nd Blackmount Volunteer Rural Fire Force (90%).

Category 2 (Fewer than 2 vehicles or trailer kits): 1st Southroads Lumsden (90%); 2nd Drummond Volunteer Rural Fire Force (89%).

- © Fairfax NZ News

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