Award winners: Mid Murray Zone’s Todd McCallum, superintendent Tony Whitehorn, Marc Lang, Gerard James, David Lang, Garry Heyen, Stephen Hazell, Malcolm Starritt, Grant McDonald and Chloe Judd, holding Ollie Judd. Photo: Supplied
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The region’s RFS brigades were honoured at the St Florian’s Day awards earlier this month.
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The Moama and Womboota brigades received awards at the event, hosted at the RFS Training Academy in Dubbo on May 4 and presented by NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers.
St Florian’s Day, or International Firefighters’ Day, is celebrated on May 4, with the awards held on this date annually in honour of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
The entire Mid Murray Zone of brigades was also honoured at the awards, as well as civilians from Moama.
Julie Langlands and Eliza and Warwick Ham were among the civilians who received a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
The three stepped into action in Moama on December 12, 2023 when RFS group captain Dale Bowles suffered a medical episode while responding to a car fire.
Heroic: NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers with Moama deputy captain Garry Heyen and firefighter Chloe Judd. Photo: Supplied
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They rendered CPR to Mr Bowles before fellow RFS crew members and paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, Mr Bowles passed away.
Also honoured for their actions on December 12, Moama Rural Fire Brigade 1 Bravo was recognised with a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service.
Brigade deputy captain Garry Heyen and firefighters Chloe Judd and Aiden McKenzie moved into action to support their group captain and the many first responders at the scene.
Similarly, Womboota Rural Fire Brigade received a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for its response to the December 12 incident.
Deserving: NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers with Womboota Brigade members captain Malcolm Starritt and deputy captain Stephen Hazell. Photo: Supplied
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Captain Malcolm Starritt and deputy captain Stephen Hazell went above and beyond in their efforts on the day and after, providing support to Mr Bowles’ family, their brigade and the district.
Mid Murray Zone operational officer Gerard James was acknowledged, through a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation, for his assistance in supporting the Moama and Womboota brigades and providing situation reports to state operations.
Honoured: Mid Murray Zone group officers receive their Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation with NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers. Photo: Supplied
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The entire Mid Murray Zone was recognised for its responses to the 2022/23 floods, receiving a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
Superintendent Tony Whitehorn, who also received an individual Commissioner’s Commendation for Service, guided the team’s response to the flood events, supporting the SES and emergency services to keep the community safe.
The St Florian’s Day awards have acknowledged the NSW RFS volunteers, staff and civilians since 1999.
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