Medal for Conspicuous Bravery – Station Officer Carlos Henry
On Wednesday it was my great pleasure to join Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly and Minister for Police Carl Scully at Parliament House, to recognise the actions of Station Officer John (Carlos) Henry, Police officers and members of the public for their part in rescuing three-year-old Tyler Jameson from a burning townhouse at Kingswood in July this year. SO Henry conducted the perilous rescue wearing nothing more than jeans and a jumper, without breathing apparatus, and without any thought for his own safety. His actions saved Tyler's life, and were in the finest traditions of the service. Congratulations Carlos, on being only the 26th recipient of our highest award for valour. Read the intranet story about the ceremony.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Brown – Director Regional Operations
On Friday 15 September Mark Brown was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and took over the position of Director Regional Operations. Mark was chosen from a strong field of internal and external candidates and will provide a “voice for the bush” on the Corporate Executive Group. Mark brings considerable experience and qualifications to the position and I know he will ably lead and support the officers, firefighters and administrative staff stationed in regional NSW. Congratulations Mark.
Restructure – what it means for administrative staff
Placement of human resources, finance and administrative support staff currently working in region offices is a priority under the current restructure. Under the placement policy, expressions of interest (EOI) will soon be sought from the 14 people affected by the changes, allowing them to provide a preference/s for job location. The nature of the roles they currently hold will not change substantially in the initial stages of the restructure. To ensure the process is equitable and that interests of the affected staff are taken into account as far as possible, the emphasis of the EOI will be to ascertain staff preferences as well as their suitability for the positions. If positions remain vacant at the end of this process, they will then be opened to the rest of the NSWFB.
Staff working in existing zone offices outside Sydney are unaffected by these changes. The process will be conducted in a fair, equitable manner, with minimal disruption. For further information contact Karen Bode on 0419 438 745. Read more on the intranet.
30 Years of Ambulance Paramedics
My wife Erris and I were the guests of Greg Rochford, CEO of the Ambulance Service of NSW, at a gala dinner last Saturday night that recognised 30 years of Paramedics in NSW. Many of the 16 original members of “Class 1” in 1976, including Paul Featherstone and Jeff Gilchrist who are well known to many NSWFB members were in attendance. There are now more than 900 paramedics in NSW, and as firefighters know, they are highly skilled professionals. Congratulations to our colleagues and friends in the Ambulance Service.
SOPP Graduation
Yesterday I congratulated the latest 20 Station Officers to graduate from the SOPP. The course, run over nine weeks, is an intensive theoretical and practical experience for our newest officers and I commend this group of graduates on their dedication. Being an SO requires a huge commitment to the community and I wish each officer all the best in their new role. Read more on the intranet.
Finley Fire Station opening
I look forward to opening the new Finley Fire Station on 27 September. During my trip to the state’s south-west I will also present awards and medals to firefighters from 311 Griffith, 512 Yenda, 360 Leeton, 337 Junee, 499 West Wyalong, 472 Turvey Park and 480 Wagga Wagga. I will also visit 400 Narrandera and 262 Coolamon on Tuesday 26 September.
New appointment - Risk Advisor (Environment)
A warm welcome to Shannon Heathcote, who has been appointed to the role of Risk Advisor (Environment). Shannon will be the key point of contact for issues relating to environmental management and planning. Her role will be to ensure all of the NSWFB’s activities are undertaken in an environmentally sustainable way and the organisation complies with all relevant environmental legislation and government policies. Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, having previously worked as a Business Risk and Compliance Advisor and in the climate change department of Insurance Australia Group.
NSWFB Annual Ball
Tonight I am looking forward to attending the NSWFB annual ball. The event is being held at Doltone House at the Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont Point. It is expected that 430 people will be attending and should be a great night of entertainment with a live band, lots of dancing and a sit down dinner. Many thanks to the organising committee for their efforts.
CFU Training Day - North
I look forward to meeting hundreds of our volunteers at the next CFU training day this Sunday 24 September at St Ives Showground. Northern Sydney CFU members will hone their skills to help defend their own homes during the bushfire season. We are already seeing the weather warm up and it looks like we’re in for a long, hot summer. I encourage stations with CFUs in their area to keep in contact with CFU members to ensure they are preparing their homes for bushfire and helping other residents to do the same.
Ready Sydney Campaign
In line with the Sydney CBD emergency plan, the City of Sydney Council is instituting ‘Safe and Ready’, a plan to encourage every CBD worker to prepare a basic emergency kit with essentials such as sneakers, medications and vital contact numbers for use during an emergency. As part of this program, emergency service workers including Firefighters, Police, Ambulance Officers, SES and St Johns Ambulance will be starring in an advertising campaign that will appear on bus shelters, posters and other media in the CBD. The crew from 11 Woollahra will participate in the photo shoot for the advertisements on Thursday 28 September.
Wyong Fire Station’s 70th anniversary
Congratulations to Captain Grant Foster and the crew from 505 Wyong for putting on a fantastic display at Wyong Racecourse last Sunday to mark their 70th anniversary. Our band and precision marching team delighted the dozens of visitors, who were able to see the Bushwise puppet show, learn about kitchen fire safety, inspect vintage and modern fire appliances, and have a guided tour of the BA Training semi-trailer. It was nice to meet up with a number of former Wyong firefighters, some of whom served in 1940s and 1950s.
Narrabeen Fire Station’s 75th anniversary
Congratulations to the crews at 68 Narrabeen, who will celebrate the 75th anniversary of their fire station on Friday 29 September with an open day for those who have served there and their families. I served at 68 as a firefighter many years ago. Regrettably, I am unable to attend to help them celebrate.
Hornsby Community Day
I will attend the Centenary Fire Safety Day this Sunday at Rofe Park, Hornsby Heights. The event will feature the NSWFB’s band and rescue displays, and is part of the Hornsby Shire’s centenary celebrations. The RFS and SES will also be participating in the centenary celebrations. I look forward to seeing Hornsby residents, retired Deputy Chief Officer Warwick “Buck” Rogers and Retired Director General Peter Rath.
Bluey Day Update
Well done to everyone who pledged money for this year’s Bluey Day, which raises money for equipment, treatment and support for children and their families living with cancer and other serious childhood illnesses. The amount raised so far by the NSWFB is an impressive $63,254. Read more about the NSWFB’s involvement in Bluey Day on the intranet.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: There are very strong rumours going around that support vehicle 085 Chester Hill will be relocating to West 6 Region due to the problems that it has covering from Balmain out to Picton, is it true?
Response: No. It just goes to show that even “very strong” rumours are often wrong.
Rumour: Assistant Commissioner Mark Brown has very impressive academic credentials. But how do people on the 10/14 get access to such opportunities?
Response: Like many senior officers, Mark did most of his studies at his own expense while on the 10/14. The 10/14 is a perfect roster for people who want to study and progress. I completed a Masters Degree, like many others, while working long hours Monday to Friday. I can assure you it was not easy, and I can also assure everybody that senior officers are not “spoon fed” – they work very hard to get to where they are.
INCIDENTS
A fiery morning in Forbes
Saved by neighbour’s smoke alarm
Sunken boat raised from the depths of Wollongong Harbour
EVENTS
Media Launch for Port Macquarie State Firefighter Championships
NSWFB Band on the road from LA to Vegas and back to old Sydney Town
Unanderra Championships go off with a bang
COMMISH’S CORNER
Commissioner’s e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish’s PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish’s Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story to the intranet, please contact Public
Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or
(North) 9265 2631