The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine

Brotherly Love
SO Doug Flowerday hands Che his
certificate with a proud Dakota nearby,
supported by (l-r) SFF Barry Baxter,
SFF Glenn Hudson and SFF Ian Clark.
He’s lucky that Che paid a visit to the Masterton Fire
Station early last year and he’s lucky that Che paid
attention. For Dakota is an adventurous, inquisitive little
tyke and has a tendency to go investigating.
Two year old Dakota, accompanied by his blanket,
clambered to the top of the stove and started turning
knobs. Wearing pyjamas that were fire retardant but not
fire proof Dakota’s pyjamas soon ignited.
Che, who is seven years old, remembered the Firewise
lessons he’d received on his visit to the Masterton Fire
Station, grabbed Che and rolled him over to put the fire out.
DCFO Henry Stechman told the Wairarapa Times that
had the clothing not been fire retardant it could’ve
8 Issue No. 37
Awards
Dakota Marunui is a lucky boy.
He’s lucky that he’s got a brother like Che.
completely burst into flames. He commended the
older brother’s ability to take the right course of action
under pressure.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that the young fellow had
the knowledge to put into practice what he had learnt,”
says Mr Stechman.
Station officer Doug Flowerday said it was good to see
the Firewise message getting through and Che might make
a good fireman one day. It’s heartening to see that the
stop, drop and roll message is still used.
Dakota’s mother says Dakota has learned his lesson now
and despite still showing a tendency to climb things,
he’s steering well clear of the oven.
Picture courtesy of Wairarapa Times