SES area controller, Simon Merrick, and his deputy, Tim Merrick, went “above and beyond” during the storm event of April 2015.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The siblings “put their lives at risk for a prolonged period to rescue members of the public who were in great peril”.
And, now their efforts have been recognised with a Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage.
NSW SES acting commissioner, Greg Newton, presented the pair with their awards at a dedicated ceremony here in Singleton on Wednesday, February 15.
When the Level 3 Swift Water Rescue Technician's accepted their commendations they both made a point of thanking their families.
As during what has now become known as the ‘Super storm’ both men spent a considerable amount of time out-of-the area.
Their valuable skills were in high demand in flood affected areas like Dungong, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
Simon says he worked 14 days straight.
Commissioner Newton also paid tribute to another member of our local SES, Dave Jones. Mr Jones was awarded a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for showing “outstanding and compassionate service” during the Super storm.
In a memorable moment, he called upon his team to come forward so they could accept the accolade together.
After all they had spent five days running supplies and providing assistance to those trapped at Gillieston Heights in Maitland.
Mr Jones recalls ferrying a variety of items and people in the unit’s brand new flood boat. This included transporting firefighters to a blaze, and getting paramedics to those who were ill.
“It was a baptism of fire but it proved itself to no end on it’s maiden voyage,” he says.
Their actions decreased the risk of people driving into dangerous flood waters.
The Singleton Unit as a whole also received a Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding effort.
This was accepted by Richard Fellowes, who stepped up to the helm while Simon and Tim were out-of-the area.
While Singleton wasn’t hit as hard as other areas, SES volunteers responded to 46 requests, and had to be vigilant about rising waters - especially at the Wollombi Brook at Bulga.
Sadly, four people were killed and more than $800 million in damage was caused when the east coast low battered the Hunter region and large parts of the state. It led to torrential rain, flash flooding and cyclonic winds throughout April 2015.
