Howard Cole, of Pokeno, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Howard Cole is a founding member of the Maramarua Volunteer Rural Fire Force (MVRFF) and is currently Volunteer Rural Fire Force Controller. Under his leadership, MVRFF has fundraised to purchase equipment, improve facilities and meet operating expenses. MVRFF deals with fire and other emergencies in the rural areas of Northern Waikato, with particular expertise in dealing with motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are not currently mandated in the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, but Mr Cole has led the MVRFF’s responses proactively in the absence of an urban Fire Service or the Police for many years.