MINISTER CONGRATULATES NSW FIRE BRIGADE BRAVERY AWARD RECIPIENTS ON INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS DAY
Published: 5th May 2006
The Minister for Emergency Services Tony Kelly today presented bravery awards to 20 NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) firefighters at a special ceremony as part of International Firefighters Day celebrations.
“These firefighters have been recognised for their courageous actions at two incidents where they put their own safety at risk to protect members of the community,” Mr Kelly said.
He said two NSWFB firefighters from Campbelltown Fire Station received a Commendation for Courageous Action for their actions at a house fire in Hoddle Avenue, Bradbury on 2 March 2006.
“Calling on their years of experience and training, these firefighters rescued an elderly couple from their burning home,” he said.
“Senior Firefighter Brent Smith tore a security door off its hinges before kicking in a wooden door and entered the rear of the home wearing breathing apparatus and protective equipment.
“Once inside he found a woman semi-conscious in the kitchen and he dragged her to safety.
“At the same time, Senior Firefighter Bob Hodge broke through a loungeroom window and braved the intense heat of the fire to rescue a man from a bedroom.
“Its very likely both people would have died in the blaze if not for the brave actions of these firefighters.”.
Eighteen firefighters from Liverpool, Horningsea Park and Busby fire stations also received Unit Commendations for Meritorious Service for their actions at a fatal house fire in Christie Street, Liverpool on 28 May 2003.
“Firefighters entered the burning house and rescued six people including two unconscious children,” Mr Kelly said.
“Firefighters resuscitated the two children before they were transported to hospital but sadly the children later died in hospital,” he said.
“I commend these firefighters on the courageous and professional manner in which they carried out their duties in extremely demanding conditions.”
The awards were presented at the NSWFB’s State Training College, Alexandria where a class of 19 recruit firefighters graduated as part of the NSWFB’s International Firefighters Day celebrations.
“These recipients set a fantastic example for these newly appointed firefighters,” Mr Kelly said.
Media contact: Michelle Stone on 0400 280467 or Office: 9228 3999.
| Commendation for Courageous Action | |
| Name | Fire Station |
| Senior Firefighter Bob Hodge | Campbelltown |
| Senior Firefighter Brent Smith | Campbelltown |
| Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service | |
| Name | Fire Station |
| Inspector Chris Wilson | Horningsea Park |
| Senior Firefighter David Elliot | Horningsea Park |
| Firefighter Paul Talbot | Horningsea Park |
| Firefighter James Goodhew | Horningsea Park |
| Station Officer Greg Houston | Liverpool |
| Senior Firefighter Terrence Hay | Liverpool |
| Senior Firefighter Kevin Schmitzer | Liverpool |
| Senior Firefighter Mark Ecob | Liverpool |
| Station Officer Steven Hayes | Liverpool |
| Senior Firefighter Glenn Jobbins | Liverpool |
| Firefighter Rod Trueman | Liverpool |
| Firefighter David Gill | Liverpool |
| Firefighter Mark Ovey | Liverpool |
| Retained Firefighter Justin Clarke | Liverpool |
| Station Officer James Towle | Busby |
| Senior Firefighter Stephen Webb | Busby |
| Senior Firefighter Carl Lenholm | Busby |
| Senior Firefighter Kevin Smith | Busby |
Firefighters listed below graduated from the NSWFB’s recruit firefighter program.
| Name | Station |
| Ryan Shannon | City of Sydney |
| Natalie Tarrant | City of Sydney |
| Andrew Gore | City of Sydney |
| Ben Wheeler | City of Sydney |
| Stephen Gilbert | Regentville |
| David Mace | Lakemba |
| Scott Wilson | Ryde |
| Tu Tran | Schofields |
| Simon De Silva | Dunheved |
| Richard Fallon | Chester Hill |
| Ben May | Guildford |
| Matthew Thistlewaite | Burwood |
| Robert McIntosh | Fairfield |
| Quoc Tri Hoang | The Rocks |
| Daniel Green | Northmead |
| Paul Grimaldi | Mascot |
| Lucas Carr | Lidcombe |
| Rodney Jackson | Pyrmont |
| Ryan Shaw | Huntingwood |