Firefighters In Victoria Awarded Valour Medals
From the Minister for Police & Emergency Services.
The first Metropolitan Fire Brigade valour Medals in 50 years were today presented to three Victorian firefighters who heroically risked their own lives to save an injured colleague.
Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron made the presentation, saying that to qualify for the MFB Valour Medal a firefighter must display an act of conspicuous bravery in circumstances of great peril.
“These three men heroically risked their own lives in order to save that of a colleague and they are deserving recipients of the first MFB Valour Medals since 1959,” Mr Cameron said.
“Their extraordinary feat of bravery in going above and beyond the call of duty again highlights the fantastic work our emergency services undertake to keep Victorians safe every year.”
On October 12, 2007, while battling a fire at a furniture factory in Yarraville, MFB Leading Firefighter Richard Zapart suffered life-threatening burns.
With little time to think about the consequences for their own safety, Leading Firefighters Mark Fincher and Brian O’Connell and Senior Firefighter Russell Johnson rushed back into the burning building to rescue Mr Zapart.
“Although they sustained personal injuries, they never once wavered from the task at hand, displaying immense courage in the process,” Mr Cameron said.
“These medals are a fitting recognition for the heroic efforts carried out by Leading Firefighters Fincher and O’Connell and Senior Firefighter Johnson.”
Mr Cameron also paid tribute to MFB firefighters and paramedics who provided vital care for Mr Zapart and continued to fight the fire.
“The MFB firefighters who attended that day typify the very best qualities of MFB staff: camaraderie, dedication and bravery,” he said.
“The Brumby Labor Government is proud of the vital role brigade members play in the community and is committed to supporting MFB and the people behind it.”
Topics: bravery, firefighters, Governance, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, MFB Firefighters, Valour Medals, Victoria
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