USAR farewells longstanding team members

Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team recently farewelled some of their longstanding members.from the Central and Southern teams.

USAR Leadership acknowledged and thanked:

• Paul Burns (Southern Team Leader, Technician, Operations Officer) 2002 – 2023
• Nigel Brook (Southern Technician, Operations Officer) 2004 – 2023
• Andy Simpson (Central Technician, Logistics, and Base Manager) 2007 – 2023
• John ‘Ruckus’ O’Rourke (Central Technician) 2013 – 2023
• Anne Babbage (Central USAR Search Dog Handler) 2012 – 2022 

Deputy National Commander, Steph Rotarangi says that developing and maintaining the specialist skills required for USAR is a much bigger commitment than most realise, and that those retiring should be justifiably proud of their significant contribution and service. 

Joined by USAR Leadership and some of USAR’s newest members, those being recognised were quick to highlight the importance of teamwork and to thank those who had supported them.

USAR is a main function of Fire and Emergency and our teams are recognised nationally and internationally.  Celebrating decades of dedicated service, including considerable deployments, is a reminder of the significant contribution our people make to USAR and to Fire and Emergency.    

L to R: Ken Cooper, Acting National Manager, Response Capability; Steph Rotarangi, DCE, Service Delivery and Design; Anne Babbage 

L to R: Steph Rotarangi, DCE Service Delivery Design; Ken Cooper, Acting National Manager Response Capability; John 'Ruckus' O'Rourke; SSO Glenn Hudson, Central Team Operations Manager

 Steph Rotarangi, DCE Service Delivery Design and Andy Simpson

Paul Burns

Nigel Brook