NSW bushfire emergency: Tributes flow for firefighters Andrew O’Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton, killed in NSW blaze

As the bushfires continue their inexorable march, tributes flow and a community reels from the loss of two unassuming heroes.

Firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton both died after a vehicle accident last night. Picture: Twitter/NSW RFS

They were close mates united by family, humour, community and love.

Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 fought fires side by side, laughed side by side, became new fathers side by side.

Their children were born just two days apart in May last year.

Those same children, a grieving community and two devastated families now face Christmas without them.

On Thursday night, they died near Buxton, fighting to protect the things they held most dear.

Andrew and Geoff lost their lives after their RFS truck was struck by a falling tree as bushfire hell ripped through the communities they lived in and protected.

The truck rolled off the road. The men died together at the scene.

Today, as the fires continue their inexorable march, the grief is palpable.

Flags are at half mast.

At Horsley Park RFS headquarters, two helmets — one marked O’Dwyer’, the other “Keaton’ — sit on a rock bearing a memorial plaque.

It’s a poignant tribute to two men whose stoic colleagues must pass it as they head out again into the fireground.

The maksehift memorial was visited by family, freinds and dignitaries throughout the day.

A tribute to the two firefighters who were killed. Picture: Courtesy Robert Ovadia

Geoff joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2006 and was the deputy captain of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade in western Sydney and a former member of the Plumpton Brigade.

Andrew joined in 2003 and was also a member of the Horsley Park Brigade.

‘They are at a loss’

Geoff and his partner Jess have a son, Harvey, and Andrew has a daughter, Charlotte, with his partner Mel. Both children are 19 months old.

“They are at a loss,” NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said of the pair’s families.

“They’re in extraordinary shock and natural despair at the enormity of what’s confronting them and to try and comprehend the tragedy.”

The men were “very close” and “well respected”, Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“They’re a close-knit brigade, they’re a very community-focused brigade, they work together, socialise together, they’re very interactive together.

“Their respective partners and wives shared a lot in common with their camaraderie and connection with the brigade.”

Geoff’s father John was reportedly working on the mega blaze at Gospers Mountain northwest of Sydney while his son was at the Green Wattle Creek fire.

The Keaton family, Mr Fitzsimmons noted, have a long family tradition of volunteering.

Not only do we express our deepest sympathy to the families of @NSWRFS heroes Geoff and Andrew, but our thoughts are also with their extended family- the Horsley Park RFS brigade. It was an honour to spend time with you today. pic.twitter.com/sSU7riawU7

— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) December 20, 2019

Rocked to the core

Tributes flowed on social media for the young fathers.

One post on the RFS Facebook page said the men had made the “ultimate sacrifice”, while others said real heroes “wear yellow uniforms”

“My condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. Real heroes don’t wear capes, they wear yellow uniforms and don’t ask for a cent in return. We will never forget your bravery,” one person posted.

“This is heartbreaking,” said another, while a third added: “The death of ‘brothers’ on active duty has, and always will, rock me to the core.”

Another friend — Craig O’Loughlin — said: “Two heroes, two family men and two mates. Never forgotten. Vale Andrew and Geoff. Died heroes, and great mates to everyone.”

Another of Geoff’s friends described the feeling of reading headlines of two rural firefighters dying before seeing a familiar face in the pictures. “Geoff smiled readily and easily,” he said.

“His absence will be felt keenly by his friends, family, partner and son. His son will grow up knowing his father died a hero.”

‘Remarkable individuals’

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian spoke of the “remarkable individuals” who simply wanted to protect their community.

An emotional, yet precious & special time with members of the Horsley Park #NSWRFS today. Helmets of lost members, Geoff & Andrew, have been placed on the Brigade Memorial & those injured, Tim, Ben & Carlos, on the bonnet of their Cat9 tanker. Thanks again Capt Darren & members. pic.twitter.com/m1eIF8Lh1G

— Shane Fitzsimmons (@RFSCommissioner) December 20, 2019

“It’s a huge loss to the service. It’s a huge loss to the families and loved ones. And it’s a huge loss to the community of New South Wales,” she said.

“We know that these men and women, our volunteers, are remarkable individuals. They’re ordinary, everyday individuals like you and I that go out and simply want to serve and protect and make a difference in their local community and they don’t ever go out in the knowledge that they might not come home from that shift.

“Every time a loved ones goes out to fight a fire you hope they come back through the front door. That obviously has happened for two families a week before Christmas. I don’t think you can see a worse set of circumstances than seeing two young dads lose their lives in this way. That’s had an impact not only on their families but all volunteers.”

Members of the Horsley Park RFS are seen embracing at the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade in Horsley Park, NSW. Picture: AAP

A Go Fund Me fundraising page has been created for the families of the young fathers. Launched by former firefighter Warren Spriggs, from Wollongong, this morning, the fund has raised over $12,000 from 236 donors.

Devastated by the death of Mr O’Dwyer and Mr Keaton, Mr Spriggs hopes to reach a target of $50,000 to donate to the firefighters families.

On Friday the Premier headed west to meet the two men’s broken Horseley Park RFS colleagues.

She said it was an honour to meet the men and women in the “extended family” that is the Horsley Park RFS brigade.

An extended family so tragically made two members smaller.

Devastated members of the Horsley Park RFS and public at the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade in Horsley Park, NSW. Picture: AAP

with Imogen Reid and AAP