The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter who died while helping the bushfire effort in Australia has accepted a posthumous bravery medal in his honour.
Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Brigade, died when the truck they were in hit a tree and rolled off the road on December 19 in Sydney's southwest.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service held a service for Mr Keaton, which was attended by his fiancee, Jess Hayes, and young son, Harvey, as well as the RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and the Prime Minister.
Advert
A touching photo has been released by the RFS, showing Mr Fitzsimmons pinning a medal onto young Harvey's shirt.
Mr Keaton was honoured with a posthumous Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery and a Commissioner's Commendation for Service.
When they were killed last month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said they sacrificed their lives in the name of duty.
Advert
"They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians," Morrison said.
"Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all the best in their recovery."
Once the service at Pinegrove Memorial Park in Minchinbury was finished, Mr Keaton's coffin was loaded onto a hearse and was driven past a large guard of honour.
A funeral will be volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer next week.
Featured Image Credit: NSW RFSTopics: News, Bushfires, Australia