Almost a year after a fuel tanker explosion in Peak Hill killed Anthony Nakad and left residents of the town shaken, the paramedics who attended the scene have received certificates of courage and medals for their actions on that day.
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The explosion at the petrol station occurred while Mr Nakad, the owner of the store, was pumping diesel into a truck, which then caught on fire after the explosion.
Paramedics Michael Howard and Lisa Graham were called to the scene on June 16 last year.
The pair entered the area while it was still on fire to treat Mr Nakad who had suffered severe burns.
“Looking back, maybe it was a bit scary,” Mr Howard said.
“But at the time, we realised someone was in there, so we felt we had to get in.”
Mr Nakad was still breathing after the ambulance arrived, but died a short time after.
The community was shattered by the tragedy and described the man as a family-oriented gentleman.
When Mr Howard and Ms Graham were called to the scene, they did not expect it to be anything major, Ms Graham said.
“Then we realised what was happening was quite big,” she said.
“But at the time, we had a job to do, so we did it.”
Mr Howard and Ms Graham received their awards at the Western Division managers’ conference yesterday in Dubbo.
“You can never underestimate the value of acknowledging our staff,” western
division manager Mark Beesley said.
“They really are quiet achievers. They go out there and do their jobs without a thought of recognition.”
Along with Ms Graham and Mr Howard, a certificate of recognition was given to Jodie Williamson at the conference yesterday.
Ms Williamson received recognition for her response to an incident in October last year.
A mental health patient was missing from their residence in Narromine and a large amount of blood was found at the scene.
Ms Williamson already had a busy workload and a full board of jobs, but took over communications at the scene anyway.
Ms Williamson “relayed scene reports in a timely manner while professionally completing her other tasks”, the certificate read.
“I didn’t expect any acknowledgment for it,” she said.
“But it’s nice to get recognised after nearly 12 years in the service.”
Mr Beesley said it was good to see the three staff members receive acknowledgment for their actions.
“Their jobs are very difficult at times and they often really do heroic things out in the field,” he said.
carly.dolan@ruralpress.com
