Top 20 Penrith local heroes: 5-2
We’re getting close to finding out who our number 1 local hero is but before we reveal who it is, here is numbers 5 to 2. What do you think, did we get it right?
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PENRITH LOCAL HEROES
5: SARGEANT LUKE WARBURTON — NSW POLICE FORCE
Sargeant Luke Warburton was hailed as hero after the Nepean Hospital shooting in January of 2016.
A senior constable for the NSW Dog Squad at the time, Sgt Warburton was shot in the leg while trying to disarm the allegedly drug-affected patient who was threatening staff with a knife.
Sgt Warburton received the Valour Award for bravery for his actions during the tense standoff.
He and his police dog Chuck were instrumental in bringing prison escapee Malcolm Naden.
His injuries would have killed him had he not been shot in an emergency department.
Sgt Warburton is a regular participant in the Emergency Services Blood Donation Challenge and is the epitome of bravery.
4: BOB PEARSON — YELLOW ROCK RESIDENT
Bob Pearson was one brave resident of Yellow Rock.
He not only saved his own house but used it to shelter about 50 people who were left stranded by the catastrophic Blue Mountains bushfires of October 2013.
He is pictured here with two of the firefighters who helped lead the stranded people to his home.
Mr Pearson and his family fought long and hard to keep the fires at bay.
While most will remember the fires destroyed almost 200 homes, Mr Pearson and his daughter Christie Pearson and the firefighters were awarded a group bravery citation by the Governor-general for their selfless efforts in protecting others in the face of such deadly circumstances.
He is a real life hero in our book.
3: JESS FOX — AUSTRALIAN CANOEIST
Jessica Fox is an Australian canoeist and a proud westie living in Penrith.
The daughter of champion canoeists, Fox started competing at international level in 2008 when she was about 14 years old.
She qualified for the London Olympic Games in 2012 where she debuted and took home silver in the K1 Event.
In the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics she claimed bronze in the same event.
Fox has also claimed ten medals — including seven gold — at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Wherever she goes, Fox is an inspiration for young girls to achieve their sporting best.
She proves what dedication and hard work can produce.
2: BERNARD FEHON — CEO SLEEPOUT FOUNDER
Bernard Fehon is someone who as successfully taken good will to the next level.
Mr Fehon founded the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise money for the homeless.
While only a few businesses took park in the first sleepout in 2006, it did not take long for the idea to catch on.
Now about 1400 CEO’s have taken part in the annual fundraiser and more than $2.7 million has been donated.
Mr Fehon works as a financial planner in Blaxland and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to the community through social welfare programs.