21/10/2009

Parliament unites to salute fallen Kingscliff firefighter

“...paid the ultimate price for his service to our community...”

Partisan hostilities were briefly suspended in the New South Wales Parliament before Question Time on Tuesday, as MPs paid tribute to Tweed fireman Andrew Packy Turnbull who died fighting a Fingal Head blaze on Friday.

Members stood in silence after Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest gave a moving tribute to the popular local.

“Our emergency service workers do a wonderful job in protecting us and our property,” Mr Provest told the Legislative Assembly.

“When it comes to fighting bush fires this is a very dangerous job indeed. Tragically late last week one Tweed firefighter paid the ultimate price for his service to our community.”

“Packy was not just a proud officer of the Kingscliff Fire Brigade for the past seven years, but also a very popular local character. “

“Sadly he leaves behind seven children. It is a particularly tough time for young Corey, Marcus, Christopher, Benjamin, Kiara, and Packy's two step children.”

Mr Provest went on to read out some of the messages of condolence published in Tuesday's Tweed Daily News.