Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service member Paul Beazley has made the top three finalists for the WA Fire and Emergency Services Awards for rescuing a crew member trapped in a fire-truck rollover.
He has been listed for the volunteer fire and rescue service individual achievement award, the organisation’s highest individual honour.
He has struggled with survivors’ guilt since the incident.
The accident occurred in April last year when an appliance rolled on Muir Highway as the crew were returning from a call in Rocky Gully.
Mr Beazley went to the aid of the driver and has been nominated for the gong, which goes to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond and made an exceptional contribution over the last 12 months.
The award ceremony will take place in Perth, in September.
A Denmark VFRS member for three years, Mr Beazley said he was looking forward to the awards while being humbled by his nomination.
The unit’s lieutenant, he has been key in helping captain Darin Hockley, especially around training.
“I don’t know about going above and beyond but I have brought in a more structured approach to training,” Mr Beazley said.
“With regards the accident, I do still have my moments from time to time especially around survivors’ guilt, but we do have mental health support when we need it.”
Mr Hockley said Mr Beazley had deserved his nomination.
“We told him he had to accept the nomination, which he begrudgingly did,” he said.
“At the rollover, he was the one who pulled the driver out and it has been hard for him to get through that experience.
“He has had to process all that and still be an officer, fulfilling his role while reliving the fact his buddy got injured.
He has risen to the challenge and is a guy for whom nothing is too much trouble; he’s a real asset to the brigade and a genuine bloke
Mr Beazley is up against Clint Pascoe, of Wongan Hills, and Port Hedland’s Ruth Buckley.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails