St Florian’s Day, observed each year on 4 May, recognises the dedication, bravery and service of NSW Rural Fire Service members. Named after the Patron Saint of Firefighters, the day highlights volunteers and staff who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities.
This year, members of the Ungarie Rural Fire Brigade were awarded a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for their response to a serious and tragic incident in Ungarie in September 2025.
On 26 September 2025, an explosion and fire occurred in a caravan parked beside a home in Ungarie. Bland Temora Group Captain Lindsay Henley AFSM was nearby and immediately responded, finding the caravan alight and a severely injured man nearby.
Ungarie RFS members, including Deputy Group Captain Nathan Chantrill, arrived promptly and worked alongside NSW Police and NSW Ambulance. The injured man was moved to safety, provided immediate cooling for severe burns, and kept alive and conscious until paramedics arrived. The brigade also extinguished the fire, preventing damage to the nearby home.
RFS members continued to assist emergency services, coordinating the patient’s transfer for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, the man later succumbed to his injuries.
The following members were recognised with the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service:
• Group Captain Lindsay Henley AFSM
• Deputy Group Captain Nathan Chantrill
• Captain Brad Crofts
• Deputy Captain Jason Lewis
• Firefighter Thomas Barron
• Firefighter Frank Brewer (apology)
The NSW RFS acknowledges the professionalism, teamwork and commitment shown by these members, with St Florian’s Day serving as an opportunity to thank all RFS volunteers for their ongoing service to the community.
Source: Ungarie rfs Facebook page. Image Credit: RFS Media.