'Accidental Heroes' honoured with awards
Published: 13th March 2008
A mother and daughter duo, an Illawong resident and an off duty firefighter were amongst those who received formal recognition today from the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB), for saving lives with astonishing acts of bravery.
NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Commissioner Greg Mullins today presented Commissioner's Commendations to Stephen Flecknoe and Wendy and Laura Brealey, and an Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service to firefighter Tim Nurmi, for the roles they played when faced with life-threatening situations.
Stephen Flecknoe of Illawong received an Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service for rendering assistance when a car lost control, crashing through the back fence of his property and into his swimming pool on 3 October 2006.
Mr Flecknoe dived into the water to rescue the driver and the passenger from the vehicle.
During today's award ceremony Commissioner's Commendations were also awarded to Laura and Wendy Brealey who sounded the alarm when they spotted a neighbour’s property alight in Elanora Heights on 29 January 2005. The mother and daughter raced to the scene to help an elderly neighbour who was trapped inside her burning house.
Firefighter Tim Nurmi was presented with an Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service, for rescuing a young woman from a house fire and helping to contain the blaze in Robey Street, Maroubra when he was off duty on 8 July 2006.
Firefighter Nurmi entered the house without protective equipment and saved a young woman who had entered the house to save her pet. Firefighter Nurmi then fought the fire with a garden hose until fire crews arrived at the scene.
Commissioner Mullins praised the actions of all award recipients, who placed themselves at risk in order to protect others.