Tributes paid as two brave volunteer firefighters die tackling blazes in NSW

Two volunteer firefighters, identified as Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, have been confirmed dead after their truck rolled as they were making their way to tackle blazes in Sydney’s south west last night.

A tree came down on the truck which was travelling as part of a convoy on Wilson Drive, near Buxton, at around 11.30pm on Thursday evening. The two men, both young fathers from Sydney, died in the tragic incident, while three others suffered injuries that are not believed to be serious or life-threatening.

The RFS released a statement last night, confirming the sad news and extending their sympathies to the families of the deceased who belonged to the Horsley Park Brigade. A spokesperson said: “The deaths occurred following a vehicle rollover earlier this evening during firefighting operations. It is believed the vehicle, while travelling in convey, hit a tree before rolling off the road.

“The Service’s thoughts are with all the firefighter’s family, friends and fellow brigade members. This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season.”

The NSW RFS then paid tribute again to the men this morning, releasing images of the friends with their children, both 19-months-old. One image showed Deputy Captain Geoffrey with his son Harvey, whom he shared with partner Jess, while the other shows Andrew with his daughter Charlotte, whom he shared with partner Mel.

The 2 firefighters killed in a vehicle accident last night are Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton 32yrs & Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer 36yrs, both from Horsley Park Brigade. Our thoughts are with their family, friends & fellow brigade members. #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/p3Y8zX3hBj

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 19, 2019

Further tributes poured in for the brave men overnight, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian delivering a press conference this morning in which she described the men as “outstanding” and “brave”.

“It with a heavy heat this morn that we confirm that deaths of two RFS volunteer firefights overnight. It’s a tragic blow for their families, the RFS and the entire community,” she said.

“We cant express enough our deepest, deepest condolences and sympathies to their loved ones. These two brave men who lost their lives represent for us the thousands and thousands of volunteers on the ground who put their own life their own safety on the line to protect others.”

The premier also confirmed that, as a mark of respect for the two deceased, flags will fly at half mast across the state on Friday.

Emergency Services Minister David Elliott also delivered an emotional statement this morning, describing today as a “black armband day” for the Rural Fire Service.

He said: “The loss of these two young men, just dads from Western Sydney, is a real tragedy. The commissioner is ensuring that all of these firefighters and their families receive the welfare snd support that they deserve.

“I appeal to all firefighters to carry on their duties in the memory of the loss overnight and I join the premier in making sure the state provide all the respect and support the families require.”

Following the tragic news, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has been out of the country on holiday with his wife Jenny and their two young daughters, released two statement confirming that he will be returning to Australia as soon as can be arranged and expressing his condolences regarding the deaths of Keaton and O’Dwyer.

Speaking of the two firefighters, he said: “I express my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the firefighters who have so tragically been killed overnight. They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians. Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all the best in their recovery.”

Discussing his leave in a seperate statement, he wrote: “I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time. I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy. The Commonwealth’s responsibilities have been well managed by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister Littleproud and Minister Payne.”