Sergeant’s bravery in face of fire

By Andrew Stackpool

Sergeant Anthony Oestreich amid the burned-out house.

Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

It’s not often that you get an award for doing work experience.

But it has happened to SECPOL Sergeant Anthony Oestreich, who has received a NSW Police Commissioner’s Commendation for the bravery he displayed in rescuing two people from a house fire while undergoing training with the NSW Police.

He is seen here inspecting the gutted building.

SECPOL Sergeant Anthony Oestreich’s extraordinary courage and coolness have resulted in a NSW Police Commissioner’s Commendation.

Police Commissioner Moroney presented the award at the Goulburn Police Academy on April 30.

SGT Oestreich, of the Information Operations Squadron, was doing training with the NSW Police at Queanbeyan on July 23 last year when his patrolling vehicle was directed to a house fire.

At the scene SGT Oestreich and three NSW constables found the rear of the premises well ablaze. They tried to see if anyone was inside but saw no one and, as the building was abandoned, initially thought it was empty.

SGT Oestreich noticed that an unbarred window was smashed and became concerned that people might be trapped inside. He peered again through the windows and saw a sleeping bag in a front room.

Immediately the four men ran to the front door and one of the constables was able to kick a panel in and unlock the door. They saw that the entire inside of the building was well ablaze.

They tried to enter but were driven back by thick black smoke and flames. Despite the risk of the roof and ceilings collapsing, they tried again and this time were successful. They found two people in a deep sleep.

“It took us a while to wake them up and we actually had to convince them to leave,” SGT Oestreich said.

“We literally passed them from hand to hand – they were trying to save their shoes and a few other bits and pieces and argued about leaving.”

When the Fire Brigade arrived SGT Oestreich helped the officers rig out their hoses, connect them up and turn on the water.

The police then turned their attention to a block of flats nearby where some trees in the yard were well ablaze. SGT Oestreich and his companions evacuated all the residents.

With the fire eventually extinguished they resumed their duties and SGT Oestreich returned to his unit a few days later.

“I was absolutely chuffed when I received a letter from the NSW Police telling me that I was to be presented with the award,” he said.

“When I was given it the Commissioner told me they couldn’t give me the top one as that was for NSW Police only but this was the next best thing. It was a very proud day for me.”

 

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