Awards for Bravery

• Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery (Individual)

Awarded to recognise an act of courage under hazardous circumstances where the risk to life has not been as significant as to warrant the Commissioner’s Award for Valour but is worthy of recognition.

Captain William Ross

Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter

On 1 April 2019 at 0710 hours, the Spencer Brigade was activated to an incident within the Spencer township. The incident was initially reported as a pile burn and then subsequently updated to a structure fire as further information became available to 000 call takers.

When Captain William Ross arrived on scene the corner of the structure was well alight with flames extending internally to the roof and toxic smoke building up inside the structure. Deputy Captain Alison Wade had already isolated the power to the building and reported she had seen the resident inside the house near the window and also heard a dog barking inside. The house was locked and attempts to alert the resident, who appeared to have impaired cognitive ability, were unsuccessful. After their initial scene assessment, they concurred there was a need to gain access and undertake a primary search within the structure.

With the next closest backup at least 15 minutes away and the risk that the fire would engulf the building, a forced entry was made through a door at the rear of the building. Spencer Brigade is not an accredited CABA brigade, so without the use of breathing apparatus both Deputy Captain Wade and Captain Ross entered the building to search for the resident. Crouching below the thick smoke, they were able to locate the resident and his pet dog and lead them both outside to safety.

After completing the rescue, Deputy Captain Wade and Captain Ross assisted crews in suppressing the structure fire to minimise further damage to the home. The actions of Captain Ross and Deputy Captain Wade were both selfless and brave. They risked their own lives to save the life of a fellow community member.

Captain William Ross is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Deputy Captain Alison Wade

Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter

On 1 April 2019 at 0710 hours, the Spencer Brigade was activated to an incident within the Spencer township. The incident was initially reported as a pile burn and then subsequently updated to a structure fire as further information became available to 000 call takers.

On arrival, a scene assessment confirmed a fire burning in an under-house storage location had spread to the structure of the home with flames extending to the roof. Whilst crews established hose lines, Deputy Captain Alison Wade isolated the power and commenced a primary search. She saw the resident inside the house near the window and could also hear a dog barking inside. The house was locked and attempts to alert the resident, who appeared to have impaired cognitive ability, were unsuccessful. At this time, Captain William Ross arrived on scene and assisted with the initial scene assessment and concurred there was a need to gain access and undertake a primary search within the structure.

With the next closest backup at least 15 minutes away and the risk that the fire would engulf the building, a forced entry was made through a door at the rear of the building. Spencer Brigade is not an accredited CABA brigade, so without the use of breathing apparatus both Deputy Captain Wade and Captain Ross entered the building to search for the resident.

Crouching below the thick smoke, they were able to locate the resident and his pet dog and lead them both outside to safety. After completing the rescue, Deputy Captain Wade and Captain Ross assisted crews in suppressing the structure fire to minimise further damage to the home.The actions of Captain Ross and Deputy Captain Wade were both selfless and brave. They risked their own lives to save the life of a fellow community member.

Deputy Captain Alison Wade is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton *

Horsley Park Brigade, Cumberland, Area Greater Sydney

At approximately 2328 hours on 19 December 2019, Horsley Park 1 Alpha was responding to unprecedented fires in the Wollondilly District to support landowners protecting their homes. Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and a crew of four were driving in convoy on Wilson Drive, Buxton when their appliance was impacted by a tree from the recently burnt roadside.

As a result of this impact and subsequent vehicle movement, Deputy Captain Keaton and a fellow Brigade member lost their lives protecting the Wollondilly community. Deputy Captain Keaton had a distinguished history with the NSW Rural Fire Service of 13 years. He was a veteran of several campaign fires with extensive experience who provided exceptional service to the community.

Deputy Captain Keaton’s commitment and dedication to the Service is commendable. He was a valued and loyal member of the Horsley Park Brigade, a passionate, trusted mentor and a natural leader who will be sorely missed.

Geoffrey will forever be remembered by the NSW Rural Fire Service not only as a dedicated and experienced firefighter, but also as a much loved and well respected member of the firefighting community, who lost his life while serving and protecting others. His professionalism and courage will never be forgotten.

Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

* Also recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service

Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer *

Horsley Park Brigade, Cumberland, Area Greater Sydney

At approximately 2328 hours on 19 December 2019, Horsley Park 1 Alpha was responding to unprecedented fires in the Wollondilly District to support landowners protecting their homes.

Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer and a crew of four were driving in convoy on Wilson Drive, Buxton when their appliance was impacted by a tree from the recently burnt roadside. As a result of this impact and subsequent vehicle movement, Firefighter O’Dwyer and a fellow Brigade member lost their lives protecting the Wollondilly community.

Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer had a distinguished history with the NSW Rural Fire Service of 17 years. He was a veteran of several campaign fires with extensive experience who provided exceptional service to the community.
Firefighter O’Dwyer was a loyal and trusted member of the Horsley Park Brigade who had a passion for sharing his photography and information of brigade activity with the public. His warm and confidence-inspiring leadership will be sorely missed.

Andrew will forever be remembered by the NSW Rural Fire Service not only as a dedicated and experienced firefighter, but also as a much loved and well respected member of the firefighting community, who lost his life while serving and protecting others. His professionalism and courage will never be forgotten.

Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

* Also recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service

Firefighter Colin Burns *

Belowra Brigade, Far South Coast, Area South Eastern

On New Year’s Eve 2019, Firefighter Colin Burns was defending his property ‘Buckenjandra’ in the township of Belowra, 50km northwest of Cobargo. Firefighter Burns’ property was the most northerly property in the Belowra Valley, and was expected to be the first property in the valley impacted by the Badja Forest Road, Countegany fire.

Fire crews were deployed to Firefighter Burns’ property on 30 December for property protection, however were redeployed to protect the neighbouring township of Nerrigundah in the early hours of 31 December following a change of wind direction.

Two NSW Rural Fire Service members left at Firefighter Burns’ property were withdrawn to the Belowra fire shed where residents had begun to seek refuge and were in need of protection. Firefighter Burns was expected to follow them in his ute, but tragically he lost his life as he was driving away from his property to the fire shed to help protect local residents.

Colin will forever be remembered by the NSW Rural Fire Service not only as a dedicated and experienced firefighter, but also as a much loved and well respected member of the firefighting community, who lost his life while serving and protecting others. His professionalism and courage will never be forgotten.

Firefighter Colin Burns is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

* Also recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service

Firefighter Samuel McPaul *

Morven Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On 30 December 2019, Firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Brigade, teamed with two members of the Culcairn North West Brigade to protect the communities of Jingellic and Talmalmo. The crew responded to the Lightwood property on the River Road, near the town of Jingellic. Whilst providing property protection, the crew and their vehicle were subjected to an extraordinary localised fire weather event. Tragically, this resulted in the Culcairn North West Cat 2 Tanker being overturned.

Subsequently, Firefighter Samuel McPaul lost his life while protecting the local community.

Firefighter McPaul was a genuinely kind and caring young man who loved giving to others through his community work, like the NSW Rural Fire Service, and he was well known within the community.

Firefighter McPaul’s contribution to the Service and the community is commendable. He was a valued member of the Morven Brigade, who was always willing and ready to be involved, help others, and contribute to the community. He will be sorely missed.

Samuel will forever be remembered by the NSW Rural Fire Service not only as a firefighter, but also as a well-respected member of the community, who lost his life while serving and protecting others. His professionalism and courage will never be forgotten.

Firefighter Samuel McPaul is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

* Also recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service

Captain Stuart Anderson

Back Creek-Greater Hume Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On Sunday 29 December 2019, after an extended period of heat and dryness, a dry lightning strike hit a tree on the “Avoca” property within the Talmalmo district of the Murray River area.

Several crews were immediately dispatched to what was considered a small fire.

The following day, conditions deteriorated and the fire quickly spread within the adjacent Woomargama National Park. The forest and farmland were very vulnerable and the late afternoon weather created unexpected and unpredicted catastrophic conditions. The expanding fire generated a vortex known as a fire well, which was likely to have produced extreme wind speeds consistent with a tornado and stretched some eight kilometres in height.

The crews saw the build-up and decided to move away to a safe refuge when, without warning,the fire well exploded with a downward force that caused significant damage.

Captain Stuart Anderson was assisting a landowner to protect his property from the Green Valley fire when he was impacted by the catastrophic conditions, forcing him to take refuge in a nearby shed.

Despite Captain Anderson being subjected to extreme heat and flames, extraordinary wind and flying debris from the fire well, he managed to locate his colleague and escape to the nearby river. He suffered severe burns and other injuries in the incident and was airlifted to hospital. Several crews in the area were also impacted, resulting in the loss of a fellow member who will be sadly missed.

Captain Stuart Anderson is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Deputy Group Captain Ian Avage

Splitters Creek Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On Sunday 29 December 2019, after an extended period of heat and dryness, a dry lightning strike hit a tree on the “Avoca” property within the Talmalmo district of the Murray River area.

Several crews were immediately dispatched to what was considered a small fire.

The following day conditions, deteriorated and the fire quickly spread within the adjacent Woomargama National Park. The forest and farmland were very vulnerable and the late afternoon weather created unexpected and unpredicted catastrophic conditions. The expanding fire generated a vortex known as a fire well, which was likely to have produced extreme wind speeds consistent with a tornado and stretched some eight kilometres in height.

The crews saw the build-up and decided to move away to a safe refuge when, without warning, the fire well exploded with a downward force that caused significant damage.

Deputy Group Captain Ian Avage was doing a reconnaissance of the fire area and checking on his crews at the time when the fire well exploded. Deputy Group Captain Avage’s vehicle was impacted and blown from the roadway, the force of the explosion turning it on its side and disabling it.

Deputy Group Captain Avage showed great courage by exiting the vehicle and running through the catastrophic conditions. He managed to navigate through the extraordinary winds and flying debris and take shelter in a nearby property before his vehicle exploded into flames.

Deputy Group Captain Ian Avage is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Captain Andrew Godde

Culcairn North West Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On Sunday 29 December 2019, after an extended period of heat and dryness, a dry lightning strike hit a tree on the “Avoca” property within the Talmalmo district of the Murray River area.
Several crews were immediately dispatched to what was considered a small fire.

The following day, conditions deteriorated and the fire quickly spread within the adjacent Woomargama National Park. The forest and farmland were very vulnerable and the late afternoon weather created unexpected and unpredicted catastrophic conditions. The expanding fire generated a vortex known as a fire well, which was likely to have produced extreme wind speeds consistent with a tornado and stretched some eight kilometres in height.

The crews saw the build-up and decided to move away to a safe refuge when, without warning, the fire well exploded with a downward force that caused significant damage.

Captain Andrew Godde was defending the Talmalmo property “Lightwood” as part of the Green Valley fire when the vehicle he was driving was impacted by this catastrophic event.

His vehicle was exposed to extraordinary winds and flames as the fire well picked up and overturned his eight-tonne truck.

Captain Godde climbed through the damaged windscreen of the vehicle and rendered assistance to one crew member who was momentarily trapped in the crew refuge area. A fellow crew member, also travelling in the rear of the vehicle was trapped and passed away at the scene. Captain Godde, still in the volatile environment, immediately commenced first aid to his severely burnt colleague and assisted with his emergency airlift to hospital. Captain Godde was later transported to the local hospital in Holbrook and received medical assistance.

Captain Andrew Godde is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Firefighter Andrew Julian

Back Creek-Greater Hume Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On Sunday 29 December 2019, after an extended period of heat and dryness, a dry lightning strike hit a tree on the “Avoca” property within the Talmalmo district of the Murray River area.

Several crews were immediately dispatched to what was considered a small fire.

The following day, conditions deteriorated and the fire quickly spread within the adjacent Woomargama National Park. The forest and farmland were very vulnerable and the late afternoon weather created unexpected and unpredicted catastrophic conditions. The expanding fire generated a vortex known as a fire well, which was likely to have produced extreme wind speeds consistent with a tornado and stretched some eight kilometres in height.

The crews saw the build-up and decided to move away to a safe refuge when, without warning, the fire well exploded with a downward force that caused significant damage. Firefighter Andrew Julian was assisting a landowner to protect his property from the Green Valley fire when he was impacted by these catastrophic conditions, forcing him to take refuge in a pipe.

Despite being subjected to extreme heat and flames, extraordinary wind and flying debris from the fire tornado, Firefighter Julian managed to locate his colleague and escape to a nearby river. He suffered severe burns and other injuries in the incident and was airlifted to hospital.

These catastrophic conditions also impacted several crews in the area, resulting in the loss of fellow member who will be sadly missed.

Firefighter Andrew Julian is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Firefighter Rodney O’Keeffe

Culcairn North West Brigade, Southern Border, Area South Western

On Sunday 29 December 2019, after an extended period of heat and dryness, a dry lightning strike hit a tree on the “Avoca” property within the Talmalmo district of the Murray River area.

Several crews were immediately dispatched to what was considered a small fire.

The following day, conditions deteriorated and the fire quickly spread within the adjacent Woomargama National Park. The forest and farmland were very vulnerable and the late afternoon weather created unexpected and unpredicted catastrophic conditions. The expanding fire generated a vortex known as a fire well which was likely to have produced extreme wind speeds consistent with a tornado and stretched some eight kilometres in height.

The crews saw the build-up and decided to move away to a safe refuge when, without warning, the fire well exploded with a downward force that caused significant damage. Firefighter Rodney O’Keeffe was defending the Talmalmo property “Lightwood” as part of the Green Valley fire when the vehicle he was travelling in was impacted by this catastrophic event.

His vehicle was exposed to extraordinary winds and flames as the fire well picked up and overturned the eight-tonne truck, causing him to be momentarily trapped in the crew refuge area before being assisted to a safe area by a colleague. A fellow crew member, also travelling in the rear of the vehicle was trapped and passed away at the scene. Firefighter O’Keeffe suffered burns and other injuries in the incident and was airlifted to hospital.

Firefighter Rodney O’Keeffe is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Deputy Group Captain Scott Campbell

Lawrence Brigade, Clarence Valley, Area North Eastern

On 8 November 2019, the Liberation Trail fire impacted numerous properties near the village of Nymboida. As Divisional Commander of the Nymboida Sector, Deputy Group Captain Campbell received advice of a person trapped and responded immediately.

On arrival, Deputy Group Captain Campbell went to the aid of a distressed woman who was in a fire-damaged car in a paddock. After getting her car onto the road, he gave her directions to drive to safety and told her he would get to her husband. He then continued on to a neighbouring property, where he found the woman’s injured husband battling a shed fire.

The resident was surrounded by fire, with spot fires from the main fire front approaching from the southwest under strong winds.

Deputy Group Captain Campbell assisted the resident to fight the fire and prepare the property until he was down to approximately 100 litres of water. With the fire fast approaching and flames more than nine metres high, he made the decision to retreat to a safer area even though the resident refused to leave. After some pleading, and with the fire less than 100 metres from the house, Deputy Group Captain Campbell managed to convince the residentto get in the tanker.

As they were leaving, they drove over a small fallen tree and the vehicle was overrun with fire. With flames at least 12 metres high and fire behind them even higher, Deputy Group Captain Campbell knew their only chance was to keep going. The vehicle sustained significant damage and soon stalled. Eventually, Deputy Group Captain Campbell was able to start the tanker and continue the escape through poor visibility and extreme heat. He successfully manoeuvred the vehicle, the resident and himself to a safe area where an ambulance attended to the injured resident.

Deputy Group Captain Campbell demonstrated exceptional fortitude, bravery and acts of courage during this perilous life-threatening situation.

Deputy Group Captain Scott Campbell is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Senior Deputy Captain Nathan Barnden

Jellat Brigade, Far South Coast, Area South Eastern

On New Year’s Eve 2019, large and destructive bush fires impacted on the townships of Quaama and Cobargo, threatening many properties.

On the day, Senior Deputy Captain Nathan Barnden was on duty as a Divisional Commander. A disability services home was threatened by fire, where Nathan helped to coordinate crews. As the fire impacted, crews were overcome and had to take shelter away from their vehicles.

Fearing they had been badly injured, Nathan quickly checked on their safety. One of those firefighters was his father, Clem. As the fire situation deteriorated, Senior Deputy Captain Barnden’s main focus turned to the protection of human life, including taking residents to the local brigade shed to shelter. While there, he was notified of a family trapped by fire at their property at Quaama. With Firefighter John Gallagher, they responded and drove through heavy smoke and strong winds.

Upon arrival, the home was well alight and they feared the family was deceased. They entered the burning home and found the family of seven sheltering inside a room under a wet blanket, as smoke filled the house.

Senior Deputy Captain Barnden and Firefighter Gallagher rescued the two adults and five children, again driving through treacherous conditions to the safety of the local brigade shed. The incident at the home at Quaama was one of a number that Senior Deputy Captain Barnden and Firefighter Gallagher attended that morning. Senior Deputy Captain Barnden has been publicly recognised for helping to save the lives of 13 people during the bush fires.

The fires took an enormous toll on Senior Deputy Captain Barnden, who tragically lost two family members in the fires. Since the events of the 2019-20 bush fire season, Senior Deputy Captain Barnden has used his own experience to highlight the significant mental health impact the fires have had, and continue to have, on NSW RFS members.

Senior Deputy Captain Nathan Barnden is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Firefighter John Gallagher

Tathra Brigade, Far South Coast, Area South Eastern

On New Year’s Eve 2019, large and destructive bush fires impacted on the townships of Quaama and Cobargo. In the early hours of the morning, uncontrollable fires threatened a number of properties in the area.

Firefighter John Gallagher was on duty at the local NSW RFS brigade shed where residents were sheltering from the fire. While there, he was notified of a family trapped by fire at their property at Quaama. He immediately responded with Senior Deputy Captain Nathan Barnden to the home on Whitby Wilson Road, driving past burning bushland and through heavy smoke and strong winds.

Upon arrival, they found the property was already alight and feared that the family was deceased. They entered the burning home and found the family of seven sheltering under a wet blanket as smoke filled the house. Firefighter Gallagher and Senior Deputy Captain Barnden rescued the two adults and five children from the home as the fire continued to spread. The group then drove away just as the family home was totally destroyed by fire. Again driving through dangerous conditions, the firefighters took the family to the safety of the local NSW RFS brigade shed.

Responding to an additional report of an injured person trapped at their property by fire and fallen trees, Firefighter Gallagher, on foot, guided Senior Deputy Captain Barnden off-road through burning bushland to locate the person. The pair provided immediate first aid to the patient, who had significant burns to their body and airway, before transporting the patient back to the local NSW RFS station.

The incidents that occurred in the locality of Quaama were two of a number that Firefighter Gallagher and Senior Deputy Captain Barnden attended that morning.

Firefighter John Gallagher is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Firefighter Ryan Clarkstone

Wilton Brigade, Southern Highlands, Area Greater Sydney

On the afternoon of Sunday 21 December 2019, Firefighters Ryan Clarkstone and Dean Symons were undertaking field reconnaissance duties as part of efforts to control the Green Wattle Creek fire. They were tasked to the area of Balmoral Village, where conditions were hot and smoky.

Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons performed a number of hit-and-run firefighting operations while conducting reconnaissance, including property protection on a NSW RFS member’s house. They were able to rescue a possum and transport it to the Balmoral Village Brigade station.

A wind change was observed in the late afternoon and Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons received radio reports of significant fire activity in the Balmoral Village, with numerous people trapped in houses that were alight in Station Street. At the end of Station Street, Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons located a family sheltering in their car. The rear of the car had begun to catch fire and melt. Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons exited their appliance and escorted the family in their car to the end of the street, as visibility was hampered by fire and smoke. Most of the vegetation in the street was alight and visibility was near zero.

Without access to breathing apparatus, Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons undertook a primary internal search of 3 Station Street and were unable to locate any persons. Further reports of a male trapped in his house were received, and Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons forced entry through the front door of 5 Station Street. They commenced an internal search, and soon located and extracted a male occupant. The upper section of the house and eves were well alight.

Firefighters Clarkstone and Symons then extinguished several fires in Station Street that they deemed a risk to property before linking up with the Northern Beaches Strike Team.

Firefighter Ryan Clarkstone is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Firefighter Dean Symons

Illawong Brigade, Sutherland, Area Greater Sydney

On the afternoon of Sunday 21 December 2019, Firefighters Dean Symons and Ryan Clarkstone were undertaking field reconnaissance duties as part of efforts to control the Green Wattle Creek fire. They were tasked to the area of Balmoral Village, where conditions were hot and smoky.

Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone performed a number of hit-and-run firefighting operations while conducting reconnaissance, including property protection on a NSW RFS member’s house. They were able to rescue a possum and transport it to the Balmoral Village Brigade station.

A wind change was observed in the late afternoon and Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone received radio reports of significant fire activity in the Balmoral Village, with numerous people trapped in houses that were alight in Station Street. At the end of Station Street, Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone located a family sheltering in their car. The rear of the car had begun to catch fire and melt. Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone exited their appliance and escorted the family in their car to the end of the street, as visibility was hampered by fire and smoke. Most of the vegetation in the street was alight and visibility was near zero.

Without access to breathing apparatus, Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone undertook a primary internal search of 3 Station Street and were unable to locate any persons. Further reports of a male trapped in his house were received, and Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone forced entry through the front door of 5 Station Street. They commenced an internal search, and soon located and extracted a male occupant. The upper section of the house and eves were well alight.
Firefighters Symons and Clarkstone then extinguished several fires in Station Street that they deemed a risk to property before linking up with the Northern Beaches Strike Team.

Firefighter Dean Symons is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

• Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Bravery

Awarded to crews, brigades, groups, or organised units, where outstanding service involving group bravery warrants recognition.

Harrington Brigade

Mid Coast, Area Hunter

On 8 November 2019 at approximately 2300 hours, Harrington Brigade was paged to a structure fire at Wharf Road, Johns River. Harrington arrived at the fire just after Kundle Moto Brigade, who passed on a radio message of someone being trapped inside a house at 232 Wharf Road. Both brigades responded to the address through extreme fire conditions.

Kundle Moto were travelling up the driveway of the property when a large tree fell in front of them, causing them to stop suddenly. Right behind them, Harrington 1 also had to stop quickly to avoid hitting their colleagues. Kundle Moto then radioed Harrington and Firecom to say conditions were too dangerous and they were retreating – visibility was down to zero, the firestorm was still raging and the fallen tree was blocking the driveway.

Without thinking twice, Deputy Captain Garth Honeysett and Senior Deputy Captain Robert McPherson of the Harrington Brigade commenced breathing apparatus (BA) operations using the only two sets on board Harrington 1. The Harrington Captain informed Firecom that the BA crew and Officer in Charge (OIC) from Harrington were going in on foot.

As the Harrington crew ran up the long driveway with no visibility in extreme fire conditions, a large branch fell in front of them and tripped Deputy Captain Honeysett. The other crew members helped him to his feet and continued on. Captain Michael Cleland returned to the truck to obtain the thermal imaging equipment.

Captain Cleland returned to the crew, who were on their way back down the driveway after searching the property and adjacent shed. The crew informed the Captain that a two-storey house was completely burnt to the ground and there were no signs of survivors.

Harrington OIC gave Firecom a sitrep of the tragic outcome. The Harrington crew waited outside the property for the arrival of NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, who confirmed the occupant of the property was deceased.

The Harrington Brigade is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Bravery.