Nine fire and rescue personnel from the central coast were part of the first FRNSW-led Task Force deployed to North Queensland last Wednesday to assist in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie.
The Task Force, comprising mostly FRNSW personnel as well as four members of ACT Fire and Rescue and ACT SES, was sent to Proserpine and returned on the weekend.
"They carried out a rapid damage assessment of all properties in the cyclone-affected township, helped clear access to homes and businesses with chainsaws, as well as myriad of other assistance work," said Fire and Rescue media Officer Malissa Milligean today.
#CycloneDebbie task force has adopted a dog that walked into the Proserpine shelter. If you own it contact the shelter. @RMorrison9 #9News pic.twitter.com/ojBfsUHbxN
— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) March 31, 2017
The Task Force FRNSW members who either live or work on the Central Coast include:
- Station Officer Michael O’Dowd, of Forresters Beach, based at Gosford Fire Station
- Station Officer Jeffrey Morse, of Empire Bay, based at City of Sydney Fire Station
- Station Officer Ross Genders, of Terrigal, based at Blacktown Fire Station
- Senior Firefighter Dirk Ziekenheiner, of Erina Heights, based at Gosford Fire Station
- Senior Firefighter Steve Waters, of Green Point, based at Castle Hill Fire Station
- Senior Firefighter Gary Wardlaw, of Lisarow, based at Gosford Fire Station
- Senior Firefighter Ed Berti, of Daleys Point, based at Blacktown Fire Station
- Senior Firefighter Richard Wilson, of Blue Haven, based at FRNSW’s Rescue unit
- Senior Firefighter Richard Neville, of North Avoca, based at FRNSW’s Hazmat unit
Mr Ziekenheiner was among the personnel who found the owner of a lost dog which befriended the Task Force and helping a 9 year old local boy celebrate his birthday in the evacuation centre.
PROSERPINE | #CycloneDebbie didn't stop 9th b'day party for Liam in evac centre. #FRNSW supplied food, drinks and baritone b'day song. pic.twitter.com/Qbfa2mCuza
— Fire & Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) April 2, 2017