Members of the Sherburne Fire Department with newly recruited 5-year-old Junior Firefighter Marshall Sepello after he became an honorary fireman.

SHERBURNE – The Sherburne Fire Department awarded a local youth with the title of honorary junior firefighter on Wednesday after officials said they were inspired by his helpful spirit and willpower.

The five-year-old was commended by firefighters after they recently met him through an emergency call at a garage fire.

The helpful and enthusiastic youth, five-year-old Marshall Sepello, told crews he wanted to be a firemen when he grows up. He also has a medical condition that has forced him to undergo several heart surgeries.

He made an impression on firemen and on Wednesday crews made him an honorary member of the department.

According to Sherburne Fire Department Chief Jansen Casscles, Sepello was born with a rare condition known as Heterotaxy Syndrome and has endured significant medical challenges.

"The human heart works as a four chambered pump, Marshall was born with only three," he said. "To date, Sepello has received three open heart surgeries with the first occurring at just six days old."