Comanchero founder Jock Ross pulls man and dog from burning house
He’s the infamous Comanchero founder and leader, jailed among others over Sydney’s bloody Milperra Massacre shootout with rival bikie gang the Bandidos that left seven dead. Now Scotsman William “Jock” Ross has been hailed a hero for helping save a man and his dog from a burning Central Coast house.
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Comanchero’s founder Jock Ross has been involved in the dramatic rescue of a man and his dog from a burning house on the Central Coast.
The former outlaw motorcycle gang leader is the captain of the Spencer Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brigade, which was called to a house fire at Mooga Ave at 7.11am on Monday.
Neighbours rang emergency services when they saw smoke and flames coming from the downstairs garage.
Spencer deputy captain Alison Wade and another member were the first on scene.
She said her firefighter got a hose and started spraying the house while she went around and turned the power off and checked for other dangers such as gas bottles.
“I knew the homeowner was inside so my priority was to get to the back of the house and gain entry,” Ms Wade said.
“Thankfully that’s when my captain Jock arrived because we had to break in the back door.”
She said they were able to find the man and his dog and get them safely outside as smoke started to fill the house.
“He was very thankful,” Ms Wade said.
RFS fire controller Viki Campbell praised the pair’s efforts.
“In all honesty I think they have done a great job,” Ms Campbell said.
She said the Spencer crew was assisted with the arrival of crews from Mangrove Mountain, Kariong and Wisemans Ferry, along with police, ambulance and Fire & Rescue NSW.
Ms Campbell said Ross had been with the RFS for “some years” and the Spencer Brigade was the only emergency service located in the isolated community.
“As far as the brigade goes, it’s quite a good brigade and they do quite a good job protecting their community,” Ms Campbell said.
“To get there in time to get the man and his dog out, they’ve done a good job.”
Ross, aged in his mid 70s, was jailed for life in the wake of the Milperra massacre on Father’s Day, September 2, 1984.
However he was released on appeal in 1989.
He was sent to hospital as a precaution.
Ross’ deputy Ms Wade described him as a “character” but a very good captain and respected volunteer firefighter.
A motorcycle enthusiast, Ross founded the Comanchero outlaw bikie gang in 1968 after becoming mates with a number of other riders he met at The Entrance.
Ms Campbell said the occupant of the house was assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not need to go to hospital.
She said it was understood the man had some mental or other health issues and may not have realised the danger he was in and the need to evacuate.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
► CHAPTER ONE: Inside the squad that beat Sydney’s gangs
► CHAPTER TWO: The real-life police fight club
► CHAPTER THREE: The day bikies went too far
► CHAPTER FOUR: Bikie gangs: Warlords of the underworld
Originally published as Comanchero founder Jock Ross pulls man and dog from burning house