Australian cricket coach Justin Langer and Tim Paine pen an open letter of support to our heroic firefighters
As bushfires continue to rage, Australian cricket coach Justin Langer and captain Tim Paine have penned an open letter of support to the firefighters putting their lives on the line to help protect others.
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To the brave firies of Australia,
We cannot overstate the level of respect, awe and gratitude we feel toward you, the incredible women and men of Australia’s fire brigades, who risk their lives so we can safely go about ours.
You are the true heroes of every summer.
Some have made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never, ever forget Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton or Andrew O’Dwyer.
We implore all Australians to rally around their families at this incredibly difficult time and provide them with all the love, care and support they need.
Samuel, Geoffrey and Andrew gave everything to help us.
The least we can do is help those they left behind.
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We have been inspired and terrified reading the stories of heroism from the fires each day.
On the coast and inland, in national parks and towns, through the night and every day, the images of mountainous flames overwhelming wilderness and homes has struck fear into everyone who has seen them.
But whereas human instinct would tell us to run away from the danger, the women and men of our fire brigades have done the opposite.
They confront the flames and fight back in the hope that by doing so they might save a life, be it human or animal, or a home. Many have been injured in the process.
Again, we must ensure these heroes receive all the support and care they need throughout their rehabilitation.
In the last few days, we’ve learned about the residents of the south coast of NSW who have lost their lives. Our hearts break for them and their families. Their loss is tragic beyond words.
On behalf of Australian cricket, we wish everyone fighting the fires across Australia a safe New Year.
We pray the conditions improve, the fires ease and the rains come. And, above all else, we hope all Australians pull together and help each other through this incredibly difficult time.
Sincerely,
Justin Langer & Tim Paine