21/03/2025
Six FRNSW firefighters yesterday received NSW Police Force State Crime Command Commander’s Commendations for their bravery and professionalism in responding to the Rozelle building explosion on 4 September 2014. Station Officers Brad Giersch and Adam Standfield; Senior Firefighters Mark Thompson and Chris Lyons, and; Firefighters Adrian Child and Dane Bastable were among the first-arriving fire crews on the scene and placed themselves at significant risk to rescue store owner Adeel Khan from underneath the collapsed building and fire. Firefighters and paramedics were faced with fire, collapsing walls and sparking powerlines during the rescue operation. Tragically, three people died in the fire and Khan was eventually charged and convicted of their murder. State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins, presented the commendations to the firefighters and police officers involved in Strike Force Baracchi, which was established by the Property Crime Squad's Arson Unit to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and explosion. NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant and fire and police commanders also attended the awards presentation at Police Headquarters at Parramatta.
