what's happening / news / Honouring our local Firefighters this St Florian's Day
More than 60 volunteers, staff and teams from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW will be presented with awards and commendations today in recognition of their selfless service.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, today visited the Fire and Rescue NSW Mortdale Fire Station for St Florian’s Day with Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, taking the opportunity to thank the staff for their brave efforts during the most recent floods.
“Our firefighters put themselves on the front lines to protect our community every single day and it is so important to recognise, thank and support them in every way possible,” Mr Coure said.
“This was a key event to honour the sacrifices our firefighters have made over the last few years, especially during the challenging times of the recent floods and 2019/2020 fire season.”
“Every day our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect property and save lives,” Minister Cooke said.
“I’m particularly proud of the hundreds of firefighters who answered the call of flood-affected communities and headed to the Northern Rivers and Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley to hose out flooded homes and businesses, clear roads and carry out essential food drops.”
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioners, Rob Rogers and Paul Baxter welcomed the opportunity to celebrate brave and dedicated firefighters this St Florian’s Day.
“From a time-critical medical job at City of Sydney fire station where life-saving defibrillator use and support was provided to a toddler, to a house fire in Campsie where the quick-thinking actions of the crew saved multiple lives, our St Florian’s Day recipients are truly representative of our core values,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“While they don’t do it for the accolades, it is still important that we honour those who go above and beyond to serve and protect their communities,” Commissioner Rogers said.