Award-winning firefighter David Cross wants to keep people safe
From isolating power supply to helping devastated communities recover from terrible disasters, veteran firefighter David Cross has seen it all.
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NSW Fire and Rescue’s Bankstown station commander David Cross is as humble as they come despite a swag of honours for his outstanding work over the years.
A finalist in the 2019 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards, Mr Cross has racked up nearly three decades in firefighting, having joined the Fire and Rescue unit after watching his mates at his father’s butcher’s shop serve as volunteer firemen.
Last month, the father of three won the Padstow Rotary Club’s Service Officer of the Year award.
He was also awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal after being deployed to Japan following the 2011 tsunami as an Urban Search and Rescue team leader.
“It was a great honour to be nominated for the award and winning the Padstow award was terrific,” Mr Cross, 53, said.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised for my job and achievements throughout my career with Fire and Rescue NSW.
“Every day is different for us and we really don’t know what the day will bring.
“The deployment to Japan after the 2011 tsunami is the highlight of my career.”
Mr Cross has been awarded medals and honours for the rescue of three people from a house fire in Greenacre, and a Commissioner’s Commendation for Courageous Action for his role in fighting bushfires.
“I used to work with dad and many of his staff volunteered with the local fire brigade,” Mr Cross said.
“I was also involved with the surf club so it was an easy choice to join Fire and Rescue NSW.
“I am an electrician by trade and often get calls to isolate power lines and also serve with the fire and investigation unit.
“In my role as a firefighter we are trained to deal with all kinds of incidents, from attending motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents and rescues, to fighting fires and assisting with medical emergencies.
“Bankstown station is also an accredited rescue station and we are one of the busiest stations in NSW, with many challenging incidents.”
Mr Cross is married to Claudette and they have three children, Monique, James and Lucas.
“I’ve been with FRNSW for 29 years, and based in Bankstown for the last 10 years,” he said.
“During this time I’ve loved serving the local community and working with a great team of firefighters to help keep the community safe.
“In addition to Bankstown I have also been based with FRNSW at Kogarah, Hurstville, City of Sydney and Chester Hill.
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“Outside of my role in FRNSW I take an active role in Surf Lifesaving.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Andrew Faunce, Zone Commander Inner West, said all firefighters within the Inner West Command are very proud of Mr Cross.
“With almost 30 years’ experience, David is well respected and is seen as a mentor to firefighters starting in FRNSW and developing their skills,” he said.
There are 24 finalists for the 2019 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards with winners to be announced at the Bankstown Sports
Club on August 2.
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