FARMINGTON – Stephan M. Bunker, member of the Farmington Fire-Rescue Department, has received professional certification as a Fire Officer 1.

The annual course, held Oct. 15-24 at the University of Maine in Belfast, is offered to develop leadership skills in frontline fire officers who direct fire companies at a scene.

Bunker was joined by 19 other firefighters from both career and volunteer departments throughout the state.

The 100 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction culminated in an all-day live fire exercise where the fire officer candidates were assigned companies of three to five firefighters who they directed in various fire ground tasks.

Bunker hopes to coordinate a similar Fire Officer 1 course in Franklin County, offered on nights and weekends to make it more easily accessible to area fire officers.

Bunker joined the Farmington Fire-Rescue Department in 1978 and serves as an instructor with Maine Fire Training and Education. He is also a member of the Farmington Board of Selectmen.