Other Properties - Australian Groups

Lot 3708    SESSION 13 (2.30PM THURSDAY 21ST NOV)    Other Properties - Australian Groups

Estimate $35,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $34,000

BRAVERY AWARDS TO MOST DECORATED NSW FIREMAN: Group of Five: Star of Courage; Bravery Medal; National Medal; Royal Humane Society of N.S.W. Bronze Medal; N.S.W. Fire Brigade Conspicuous Bravery Medal. 5032 Kevin James Fletcher. Kevin Fletcher on reverse of suspender on first medal, Kevin James Fletcher on reverse of suspender on second medal, Kevin James Fletcher on reverse of third medal, K.Fletcher 19.4.1994 on reverse of fourth medal , 5032 Kevin Fletcher on edge of last medal. All medals engraved. All in cases of issue of issue, some tone spots on first medal, otherwise extremely fine - uncirculated.

Star of Courage: On 1 April 1990, a fire broke out in the Boral Liquid Petroleum Gas storage facility at St. Peters in Sydney. N.S.W. Fire Brigade units from Alexandria and Newtown attended this fire, which was finally brought under control after a nine hour battle. At one stage it was reported that a firefighter could not be located within the fire area and District Officer Alan Dwyer and Senior Firefighter Kevin Fletcher drove into the facility to search for him. During their search, a 40,000 litre storage tank suddenly exploded, sending a fireball hundreds of metres into the air. The firemen, despite being close to this explosion and in extreme danger, continued their search which was eventually successful.

In 1992 at Government House Sydney, both were eventually awarded the Star of Courage for this incident.

Bravery Medal and Royal Humane Society Medal: On 19 April 1994, two cars collided at the corner of Dean and Kiewa Streets, Albury N.S.W., the 59 year old woman driver in the front vehicle being trapped by her leg. A LPG gas tank in the boot of her car exploded, engulfing the car in flames. Off-duty firefighter Kevin Fletcher, now stationed in Albury was nearby and ran to assist. Entering the burning vehicle twice, he eventually freed the injured driver, being seriously burnt himself in the rescue. On 9 September 1994, Fletcher was awarded the N.S.W. Fire Brigades Conspicuous Bravery Medal for this rescue.

Kevin Fletcher was awarded the Bravery Medal in September 1995 and the Royal Humane Society of N.S.W. Bronze Medal in October 1995 for this exploit.

On 30 October 1996, at the Albury Central Fire Station, Kevin Fletcher collapsed and died. He was 49 years old. His funeral was attended by hundreds of fire fighters Statewide and many friends.

Together with framed certificates, various documents, colour and b&w photographs, and newspaper cuttings relative to all incidents.