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Heyfield Heroes Recognised For Courage And Action

Two DSE firefighters have been recognised for their courage and decisive action in rescuing a fellow firefighter from an overturned vehicle.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 24th November 2005 - Back to News

The accident happened on the Tamboritha road north of Licola when crews were on their way to conduct a fuel reduction burn on Mount Margaret in May this year.

Firefighters Bill Skirving and Pat Liddell acted promptly when the four wheel drive vehicle that team-mate Nick King was driving in steep terrain rolled on top of him, pinning him underneath. They managed to pull Nick from the vehicle and applied first aid until the Helimed helicopter arrived.

Regional Fire Manager David Tainsh said that the Gippsland bravery award conferred on Mr Skirving and Mr Liddell was a special award and a first for DSE and the Heyfield Fire district.

"This was an incredibly brave act, which DSE recognises as above and beyond the call of duty," Mr Tainsh said.

"We need to recognise this sort of achievement. We're often too busy doing the work to pat people on the back, but you guys are out there every day slogging hard and you deserve the recognition for what you do."

"It shows that the right training and good camaraderie will back you up and give you the strength you need on the fire front."

"Every year we do intensive training in firefighting, four wheel driving, chainsaw operations, first aid and so on. Sometimes we go for years without an accident and people wonder why we do so much training."

"Fighting fires is a risky business and if you guys aren't careful, it could lead to serious injury. With the training we give you and the occupational health and safety regulations that we all work with, we can help each other reduce the risks and minimise the injuries."

"What these two men did demonstrates the importance of training and of looking after each other out there. You depend on each other and your capacity to work in a team. We're here today to acknowledge that teamwork and the bravery of the men who rescued their team-mate."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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