2015 St Florian's Day awards
Published Date: 04 May 2015
Summary
At the Awards Ceremony on 4 May 2015, 21 individual and seven group recipients are to be acknowledged by the Commissioner. Drawn from the Service's Regions and Headquarters these recipients are presented with Awards in recognition of outstanding bravery or service. The fourth of May is chosen each year for the Awards Ceremony as it is the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters' Day.
Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Individual)
Awarded to recognise service or outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or exemplary performance of a specific project or task. The Certificate of Commendation may be awarded to an individual or unit for service beyond the scope of responsibility normally expected of that person or unit in their assigned duties and is therefore worthy of acknowledgement and commendation.
Stephen Price
Valley Heights Rural Fire Brigade, Blue Mountains, Region East
On 17 October 2013 a fire was reported at Linksview Road Springwood in the Blue Mountains. Within 30 minutes it had crossed Hawkesbury Road and was spreading rapidly east toward the suburbs of Winmalee and Yellow Rock. In just a few hours, nearly 200 homes would be destroyed.
Former Captain, Stephen Price of Valley Heights Rural Fire Brigade was tasked with the reconnaissance on Singles Ridge Road, Winmalee. Captain Price took the Brigade's personnel carrier (PC) to Singles Ridge Road to check on the safety of residents in the area.
On his arrival at the Rainbow Pre-School, where five adults and 13 children aged two to five were on scene, Captain Price made the decision to evacuate everyone. Captain Price made a request by radio for additional appliances. With the fire encroaching, Captain Price loaded the PC with the 13 students and five teachers and drove them to the safety of the Springwood Public School under extreme conditions. Captain Price knew he had to get them all into the PC as there would not be an opportunity for a second trip.
Captain Price then returned to Singles Ridge Road to collect residents who were under threat of fire and unable to leave the area by themselves. On the way back to safety, the vehicle sustained a damaged tyre. Captain Price changed the tyre of the fully loaded vehicle, under severe ember attack, before proceeding back out of the fire area.
Faced with extreme odds Captain Price saved a significant number of children and adults from potential harm with his quick thinking and actions.
Captain Stephen Price is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation.
Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Unit)
Awarded to recognise service or outstanding actions in relation to fire service duties, administrative leadership, or exemplary performance of a specific project or task. The Certificate of Commendation may be awarded to an individual or unit for service beyond the scope of responsibility normally expected of that person or unit in their assigned duties and is therefore worthy of acknowledgement and commendation.
Blue Mountains Rural Fire District
Region East
On 17 October 2013, the Blue Mountains community faced three major and out-of-control bush fire events. All Brigades in the Blue Mountains were dispatched and the crews faced extreme fire behaviour, bad weather and a heav y workload.
Despite the conditions, the crews demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty. All members played a major role in protecting property, communicating with the public and providing logistical support. Every Brigade station had members present to support enquiries from the public.
The Brigades who responded to the initial calls were: Bell, Blackheath/Mt Victoria, Blaxland, Blue Mountains Group Support, Bullaburra, Faulconbridge, Glenbrook Lapstone, Hazelbrook, Katoomba Leura, Lawson, Linden, Medlow Bath, Megalong Valley, Mt Riverview, Mt Tomah, Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine, Shipley, South Katoomba, Valley Heights, Warrimoo, Wentworth Falls, Winmalee, and Woodford. Brigades also provided members to support the Incident Management Team at the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre.
These Brigades were supported by the diligent guidance of the District's Group Officers, who displayed a very high level of command and control throughout the event. The Group Officers ensured crews were well protected while working in a dangerous and volatile environment.
These fires burned thousands of hectares and, sadly, hundreds of homes. Further destruction of property and possibly life could have occurred if it were not for the diligence of the Blue Mountains District on 17 October. All Brigades and Group Officers demonstrated incredible levels of response, support and community involvement.
The Blue Mountains Rural Fire District is a worthy recipient of the Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Unit).
