News Story
The brigade congratulates Senior Firefighter Scott Shadbolt of Christchurch who has been awarded the United Fire Brigades' Association rare Valour Medal. It's only the 4th time it's been conferred since it was instituted in 1880, the last in 1908. In the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch in 2011, Scott was trying to free a man trapped in the confined spaces of the roof of the crumpled Pyne Gould Corporation building. When lengthy attempts failed, Scott Shadbolt, working in a confined space completed the amputation of both the man's legs using pen knives and saw blades. The trapped man was successfully rescued, his life undoubtedly saved. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ric Carlyon chaired the Panel considering nominations for the awards - some 80 other firefighters received the UFBA's Certificate of Valour for their brave actions following the 'quake.
