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The bravery and service of four NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers have been recognised by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, this week.

Three of the volunteers’ actions during a flood rescue in Milperra in February 2022 have been recognised, with Blacktown Unit’s Daniel Groom and Matthew Elliot, and Bankstown Unit’s Adrian Phu awarded a Group Bravery Citation.

The three men swam through 200 metres of flood waters to search for an elderly man, before safely rescuing him and transferring him to paramedics for urgent medical assistance.

Mr Elliot said the rescue was a challenging job that required a team effort.

“We didn’t know the area well, the flow of the water was difficult, the location of the man was unknown, and we had to swim through obstacles like debris and barbed wire fences,” he said.

“Once we found the man, he was hypothermic and not fully responsive. We comforted him, kept him talking and got him into the boat safely.”

Mr Groom said he was proud of the outcome he and the team achieved in the rescue.

“To me, being a volunteer means not just serving the people of the community, but also helping other volunteers who have joined after myself to pass on the knowledge I have gained,” he said.

“I have poured my heart and soul into being a volunteer, and it’s great being a part of that family.”

Meanwhile, Blacktown NSW SES Unit Commander Barry Wademan received an Emergency Services Medal for his distinguished service to the NSW SES over decades.

Inspector Wademan’s career with the Service began in 1977, when he was just 13 years old, and has seen him pioneer swift water rescue techniques, as well as respond to various natural disasters, including the Thredbo landslide and the 1994 Eastern seaboard fires.

Inspector Wademan attributes his decades of service to his passion for helping the community.

“There’s a saying in the NSW SES that we don’t bleed red; rather we bleed orange. Everything that we do is for the community. I am lucky to lead an incredible unit at Blacktown and it’s an honour to see them strive to do the best they can in their service,” Inspector Wademan said.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM was proud to see the volunteers’ celebrated by Her Excellency in front of the community they’ve selflessly served.

“Our volunteers are constantly going above and beyond for the community, working hard to safeguard lives and homes during times of crises and uncertainty,” Commissioner York said.

“I would like to congratulate our volunteers who are embodying our motto of saving lives and creating safer communities. They have achieved all of this while also balancing the demands of everyday life, and I commend them for their service.”