Firefighters recognised for outstanding achievement on St Florian’s Day

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers will present awards, including seven Commissioner’s Commendations for Bravery, at the annual St Florian’s Day ceremony, to be held at the RFS State Training Academy at Dubbo.

Mid Coast volunteers, Captain Damien Chester, Captain Mark Waters, Firefighter Rachel Fox and Firefighter Shane Attwood are being awarded the Commendation for Bravery.

In November 2023, they were deployed as part of a strike team to fight the Hudson Fire in the state’s north-west. During their first day on the ground, a branch fell from a burnt tree, striking fellow firefighter Captain Leo Fransen.

“With little regard for their own safety and the possibility of further branches falling, they rushed to aid their colleague who was unconscious,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“They provided an extraordinary level of care while working in dangerous and volatile conditions. While tragically Captain Fransen died, they put themselves in harm’s way to try and save him.”

Group Captain John McDonald also receives the Commendation for Bravery for his efforts as one of the first responders to a fire in a block of units in Binnaway, near Coonabarabran.

“After assessing the fire, Group Captain McDonald used a garden chair to rescue the remaining occupant, an elderly man in poor health,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“He did this while also maintaining control of the incident, demonstrating not only great courage but swift thinking and excellent leadership.”

Firefighter Mackenzie Scott, 17, from the Eglinton Brigade, and three members of a deployment to Alberta, Canada, also receive the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for their courage in responding to motor vehicle accidents.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib praised the recipients for their outstanding efforts.

“I am incredibly proud of our RFS volunteers and staff who answer the call, day after day, to serve and protect communities,” Mr Dib said.

“They do their work quietly and without want of praise but it is important that today they are recognised for going above and beyond in their duties.”

“This day is especially poignant for families of firefighters who have lost their lives over the past 12 months.”

Held on 4 May each year, the award ceremony marks the Feast Day of the Patron Saint of Firefighters, St Florian, and International Firefighters Day.

The full list of recipients of the 2024 St Florian’s Day Awards is available here: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/st-florians-day-2024