Rescuers honoured in St Florian’s Day awards

Published: 26th May 2019

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) today recognised firefighters and community members as part of its annual St Florian’s Day ceremony held at the new Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills.

St Florian’s Day, also known as International Firefighter’s Day, is commemorated annually on 4 May.

Member for Camden, Peter Sidgreaves MP said today’s award recipients exemplified the bravery, dedication and professionalism of the organisation.

“As a community, we ask more of firefighters than we would ask of ourselves, and time and again, they deliver,” he said.

“Every one of the recipients has done an amazing job under the most trying of circumstances and their efforts are worthy of recognition.”

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Mal Connellan said St Florian’s Day provided a chance to thank all firefighters for their work.

“Each of the people commended today is a credit to both FRNSW and the communities they protect and serve,” he said.

“As one of the world’s most highly skilled and regarded urban firefighting and rescue services, our firefighters are equipped to respond to a range of serious incidents, from motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, to hazmat incidents and fires.

“They exemplify the proud legacy of courageous service that is the hallmark of NSW firefighters.

“Today we thank not just the people receiving awards – but all firefighters who perform valuable life-saving work on a daily basis.”

Commendations included:

  • For their dedicated actions at a 2017 confined space rescue at an Auburn ink plant firefighters from Lidcombe, Wentworthville, Hurstville, Chester Hill and Eastwood stations were honoured with Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service awards – and two were also honoured with Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service awards.
  • For their actions at a 2016 medical emergency at Roseville Chase (involving electrical wiring) two firefighters were honoured with Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service
  • For their actions at a 2017 motor vehicle fire near Port Macquarie one firefighter honoured with Individual Commendation for Meritorious Service, and one fire fighter honoured with Commissioners Resuscitation Award.
  • For their actions at a 2018 motor vehicle accident at Chipping Norton, seven firefighters from Liverpool station honoured with Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation.
  • For their actions at a motor vehicle accident at Menangle, firefighters from St Andrews, USAR 1 Heavy Rescue, Narellan and other stations honoured.