FIREFIGHTERS who battled a fatal blaze in Cobar last year were recognised for their efforts at the annual St Florian's Day ceremony at Sydney on Monday.
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Emergency services responded about 8am on Sunday, August 17 following reports Cobar's Occidental Hotel was on fire. An hour later, a brick wall suddenly collapsed onto Marshall Street, fatally injuring Fire and Rescue NSW firefighter Daniel Howard and seriously injuring another firefighter while narrowly missing a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) hose crew.
Captain Anthony (Tony) Lord and Deputy Captain Christopher Snelson received Commissioner's Commendations for Bravery for their efforts including coming to the aid of injured firefighters. Deputy Captain Timothy Lord received the same award for redeploying a hose line to protect a rescue team while also operating in extremely dangerous conditions.
A Commissioner's Commendation for Service (Unit) was awarded to Cobar Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade, Geandale Rural Fire Brigade and Far West Team for their efforts.
Meanwhile Bourke Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade, Geandale Rural Fire Brigade, Nyngan Headquaters Rural Fire Brigade and Far West Team received a Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation (Unit) recognising their support in relieving the initial response crews and for their ongoing support for crews and the families of injured firefighters.
