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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.

Bikies in Australia: A short history

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.

Now... Jock Ross, captain of Spencer RFS Brigade.
Now... Jock Ross, captain of Spencer RFS Brigade.
Then... Comanchero founder and leader
Then... Comanchero founder and leader
RFS volunteers at the scene of the fire where former bikie Jock Ross managed to drag a man and his dog to safety. Picture: Supplied.
RFS volunteers at the scene of the fire where former bikie Jock Ross managed to drag a man and his dog to safety. Picture: Supplied.

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.”

A man is comforted by a friend as he mourns the loss of a friend at the Milperra bikie massacre.
A man is comforted by a friend as he mourns the loss of a friend at the Milperra bikie massacre.
Dead bodies lie outside the Viking Tavern at Milperra.
Dead bodies lie outside the Viking Tavern at Milperra.
The deep-rooted rivalry between the clubs
The deep-rooted rivalry between the clubs
exploded into violence on in 1984.
exploded into violence on in 1984.

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.

Bandidos bikie gang members at the funeral of two of their own at Rookwood Cemetery.
Bandidos bikie gang members at the funeral of two of their own at Rookwood Cemetery.

“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.

Three of the six dead bikies lay covered outside the Viking Tavern in the wake of the massacre.
Three of the six dead bikies lay covered outside the Viking Tavern in the wake of the massacre.

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.

Raptor: The untold story of how NSW Police crushed the bikies
Raptor: The untold story of how NSW Police crushed the bikies

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

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/comanchero-founder-jock-ross-pulls-man-and-dog-from-burning-house/news-story/1ddba33a46f58051a314a1574676d56f