This man literally put his life on the line.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Brent Bowen has received The SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage award for his efforts.
Mr Bowen saved a man’s life at Kyeamba Creek, about 30km south of Wagga, when he became stranded in floodwater in October, 2010.
Extraordinarily, it was Mr Bowen’s first major rescue.
“It was my first major job,” Mr Bowen said.
“It was scary, but I was fresh out of training.
“I had a lot of experience in that field so the environment wasn’t daunting, it was the fact that someone else’s life is in your hands.”
The rescue wasn’t without complications, with the SES crew trying a number of different techniques .
“It would have been a good two hours (to complete the rescue), but it did not feel that long,” Mr Bowen said.
The rescue involved Mr Bowen getting into the fast-moving water with a rope attached to a tractor as he moved to save the man in distress.
He has been a member of the SES for eight years and has added many more rescue training feathers to his cap.
- The SES is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested contact the SES office on 6932 9200. Unit members normally meet at the headquarters, at 208 Fernleigh Road, every Monday evening to train.
