Commemorating St Florian’s Day
As St Florian’s Day approaches this Sunday, May 4, we take a moment to acknowledge all of our Members involved with Rural fire fighting.
St Florian’s or International Fire Fighters Day recognises and honours the sacrifices that fire fighters make as they dedicate their lives to supporting the community while protecting life and property.
President of the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) Tim Arnott said the volunteers and staff who make up the NSW Rural Fire Service are putting their lives on the line every day of the year as they attend incidents right across the state.
“Sadly every year rural fire fighters are injured while undertaking fire fighting activities and in some cases we have seen the loss of life,” Mr Arnott said.
“We only saw in the last season the tragic loss of pilot David Black while fighting fires in the south of the state, and should all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices our volunteers, paid employees and contractors make while protecting the community.
“There is always a risk when you are undertaking fire fighting activities and some fire fighters have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years to protect our community during a time of most need.
St Florian’s Day is a time where the community of NSW can recognise and honour the sacrifices that Rural Fire Service fire fighters make to ensure our communities and environment are protected. It is also a day when current and past fire fighters are thanked for their contributions and special acts of bravery, courage and meritorious service are formally acknowledged by the Commissioner.
The NSW Rural Fire Service will hold a St Florian’s Day Service on Sunday 4 May 2014, at the RFS Headquarters at Lidcombe, commencing at 9am.
“The RFSA is there supporting the volunteers and staff to ensure the risks are as low as possible while attending emergency situations during the entire year,” Mr Arnott said.
“We also provide support to the member and their family when injury occurs, which includes pastoral care as well as financial assistance at a time of real need for those individuals.
“I ask all people across the state to reflect on what members of the NSW Rural Fire Service do every day of the year and take a moment to think about this during St Florian’s Day.