Four Fallen Emergency Services Volunteers Honoured

Summary

Communities across NSW have today honoured the courageous emergency services personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty at a memorial service at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, steamed online due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said that the four names added to the memorial this year represent brave emergency services workers and volunteers who paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities from disaster and harm.

“As we have done each year, we pause today to reflect on the sacrifice and to honour the memory of the men and women whose names are engraved on the Volunteers Memorial. Their service will never be forgotten,” Mr Elliott said.

“NSW tragically lost four beloved volunteers, Robert Platt, Keith Lyons and Jim Shanahan from NSW Rural Fire Service and John Gallimore from Marine Rescue NSW. The whole community mourns with their families.

“We thank the families of our volunteers, who sacrifice time with their loved ones so they can serve the community and today the families of Robert, Keith, Jim and John are forefront in our minds.

“While the annual Memorial service is a time for solemn reflection, it is also a time to take great pride in the fact that across NSW, members of the community still selflessly commit themselves to the service of their neighbours.”

There are now 106 names enshrined on the memorial which recognises volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

There are 90,000 volunteers in NSW who give their time unwaveringly to serve communities right across the State.

Video of full Emergency Service Volunteer Memorial service and further information is available here.

Attached files:

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855