Latest News

The Heart-Breaking Story Behind This Viral RFS Photo

Utterly heartbreaking
rfs

A photo from volunteer firefighter Geoffrey Keaton’s funeral has gone viral after the Rural Fire Service shared a series of images to Twitter – sharing the heartbreaking story behind it. 

Watch Below: State Of Emergency Declared For NSW 

The photo, which was taken at the funeral service honouring Geoffrey Keaton, one of the firefighters who lost his life while battling blazes in south-west Sydney on December 19. Fellow firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer also tragically lost his life. 

It shows RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons kneeling in front of Geoffrey’s 19-month-old son Harvey, who has a dummy in his mouth and is dressed in a uniform just like his Dad’s.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons honoured Geoffrey at the service by posthumously awarding him a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery and a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

rfs

In addition to Mr Keaton and Mr O’Dwyer, another firefighter died on Monday when high winds overturned his truck, killing one and injuring two others.

A state of emergency has been declared in NSW, with a state of disaster in place in Victoria as both states brace for a weekend of bushfires.

Social media is awash with harrowing images from the affected areas, calling for donations and pleading with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to donate money to the RFS.

https://twitter.com/bluesfestblues/status/1211794441842774016
https://twitter.com/stylesgaga/status/1212872488188706816

See here on how to help those affected. 

A photo from volunteer firefighter Geoffrey Keaton’s funeral has gone viral after the Rural Fire Service shared a series of images to Twitter – sharing the heartbreaking story behind it. 

Watch Below: State Of Emergency Declared For NSW 

A photo from volunteer firefighter Geoffrey Keaton’s funeral has gone viral after the Rural Fire Service shared a series of images to Twitter – sharing the heartbreaking story behind it. 

Watch Below: State Of Emergency Declared For NSW 

Related stories