Seasoned firefighter ready for transition

Phil Marsh.
Phil Marsh.
Long-serving Dunedin firefighter Phil Marsh has been appointed head of the Otago Rural Fire Authority.

Authority chairman Neil Gillespie made the announcement this week.

"He brings a strong background in command and control and extensive experience both as a volunteer, and working with volunteers," a statement from the authority said.

Mr Marsh had 20 years of experience in fire management and held the position of region management adviser as part of the Fire Service’s Otago and Southland leadership team.

Mr Marsh would start his new role in early September, with an immediate focus on planned burning and ensuring Otago was prepared for the coming fire season.

Mr Marsh said he was delighted to take on the role  and was looking forward to leading the team through the transition period into becoming Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The New Zealand Fire Service and rural fire authorities officially merge to become Fire and Emergency New Zealand on July 1, 2017.

The skills, knowledge and experience of Mr Marsh would ensure the Otago Rural Fire Authority was well placed during the merger, Mr Gillespie said.

Mr Marsh replaces outgoing chief executive and principal rural fire officer Dr Stephanie Rotarangi who had joined Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning as its chief fire officer in Melbourne.

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