Staff at a Sydney prison have been honoured with bravery awards after rescuing two inmates from a fire that blazed through their cell.
Three prison officers from Mary Wade Correctional Centre at Lidcombe received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Brave Conduct, for their actions during the incident on 12 June.
Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Peter Severin said the actions of officers Andrew Boan, Geoffrey Ronayne and Fraser Leavasa were heroic.
“The actions of Andrew, Geoffrey and Fraser were nothing short of heroic and I had no hesitation in recommending them for bravery awards to honour their outstanding work,” Mr Severin said.
“The officers maintained composure in the face of fire and the risk of serious injury, while also demonstrating courage and compassion in saving the lives of the two women in the cell,” he said.
“I’m very proud of the officers’ response to this incident at Mary Wade.”
“They are true ambassadors for Corrective Services NSW.”
Mr Severin said that in the days after the fire, the officers were asked by inmates to attend one of the wings where they were given a standing ovation and handmade greeting cards of praise and gratitude.
“Two corrections officers were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and seven others as a precaution,” he said.
“The two female inmates, both aged 36, were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns.”
Mr Severin said it was alleged that the blaze was started by one of the inmates who used a spark from an electricity outlet to set fire to a mattress. A police investigation is ongoing.
