We don’t normally write posts like this, but we thought we’d add our voice to the conversation. In doing so, we’re going to change our perspective to first person.
Listening to the news all morning only to hear about the tragic deaths of two firefighters who were helping to battle the Green Wattle Creek fire in Buxton. It saddens me to think these two brave men won’t get to hug their partners and kids ever again.
When the news broke, my heart was in my throat. I have a friend who has two brothers who are firefighters and are battling the same fire. I prayed that one of those who perished wasn’t either of them. The eldest of the two brothers I know has three young kids of his own.
While I was relieved that it wasn’t them, I couldn’t help but think of the families of these two brave men who died doing something positive for their community. Their kids will grow up without their dads, which makes me sad.
The Green Wattle Creek fire has been raging for a while, but it became too real when my home was threatened. I live in the Theresa Park/Orangeville area, and I’ve been watching the fire on the RFS app on my phone. Seeing it come so close to where I live was terrifying. A few of our neighbours left while others stayed behind. My sister was in hysterics because everything she owns is valuable to her, and she had a panic attack. She believed the fire was going to destroy her life. Her way of thinking isn’t her fault. Her learning disability makes her think differently to others.
Half-Mast Honour
The men who died in the truck crash in Buxton, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, were heroes who put themselves on the line to help others. We, as a community, feel the loss as our own. A lot of fire stations around New South Wales have their flags flying at half-mast in their honour.
You will never be forgotten, Geoff and Andrew. I’m heartbroken for your families and your friends. If this post reaches the families, know you have an entire community behind you.
