As the devastating bushfires continue to rage, one man has emerged and been hailed a “hero” by everyday Australians.
But amid the heartbreak and devastation, one man has emerged as a steady, inspiring and competent leader – NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.
The 50-year-old has been a constant and reassuring presence on our television screens and on the ground in the NSW disaster zones for weeks and months on end, keeping the public informed of the unfolding situation, providing clear warnings and advice and explaining the RFS’ firefighting strategies.
, who died after a “fire tornado” flipped his fire truck on December 30, was due to give birth to the couple’s first child in May.— the young son of 32-year-old volunteer firefighter Geoffrey Keaton, who died on December 19 when a tree hit his fire truck — with his dad’s posthumously awarded Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery and Service at Mr Keaton’s funeral service.
The moving image of the leader pinning the award to the little boy’s chest broke the nation’s hearts and made global headlines — and further cemented Mr Fitzsimmons as one of Australia’s most respected and best-loved leaders.The heartbreaking image of RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons pinning a medal on Harvey Keaton after his father Geoffrey Keaton was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Extraordinary Service and a Commendation for Bravery.
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