OFFICERS who saved an eight-year-old boy stuck in a Jandabup trench last November have received the highest DFES community contributions award.
The challenging rescue of Riley Stiles was recognised on Friday at the National Medal and Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal ceremony.
Malaga Fire and Rescue Service firefighters secured the edges of the collapsing trench during the four-hour rescue.
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READ NOWMalaga station officer Alan Phoenix and firefighters Mark Flower, Michael Bryan and Paulo Eraclides were the first firefighters on the scene.
They received the Certificate of Commendation for their actions.
Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan said he had “heard firsthand” from one of the officers involved in the rescue.
“It was extremely fortunate that those officers who were on duty that day had the right skills and experience to rescue Riley,” he said.
“It was a very unusual rescue in a high-stress environment with an extremely distressed little boy.”
Also recognised were district officer Phillip Brandrett, project services manager Matthew Goodwin and Murdoch station officer Ronald Bailey who each received a Certificate of Distinction for their outstanding contributions to DFES in the areas of safety, peer support and facility construction.
Officer Bailey was recognised for his innovative suggestion to house an emergency switch in appliances that help firefighters make a quick escape during a burn over. This key safety feature has been implemented in all urban pumps across the DFES fleet.
The awards ceremony also acknowledged more than 3280 years of service with 195 career firefighters and staff qualifying for long and diligent service medals.
READ MORE: Jandabup boy trench rescue: Boy’s father grateful to rescuers for saving his son’s life
READ MORE: Jandabup boy Riley Stiles thanks rescuers for pulling him to safety from trench