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NSW RFS Takes Out Massive Billboard In Time's Square To Thank US Firefighters

NSW RFS Takes Out Massive Billboard In Time's Square To Thank US Firefighters

Dozens of firefighters cross the Pacific Ocean to help us in our time of need.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has taken out a massive billboard in New York City's Times Square.

The fire service wanted to show their appreciation for the American firefighters who risked everything by flying across the Pacific Ocean and lending a hand when we needed it most.

It uploaded footage of the humungous billboard onto social media, writing: "We wanted to say a big "thank you" to all the firefighters who have worked so hard over the last few months, and to the community for its support.

"And when we say big, we mean big - 70 feet tall in Times Square, New York.

"Thanks to Silvercast for donating the ad space - and Wunderman Thompson for bringing the idea to life!"

Dozens of American firefighters came over during the worst of the bushfire season. They were given a rock star welcome when they touched down in Australia, with many people in the airport at the time giving them a round of applause.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons wrote on Twitter: "Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous and lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude and admiration we all have for their generosity."

According to Huffington Post, it was the first time since 2010 that America has sent firefighters to Australia to help with bushfires.

Sadly, three of them didn't come home alive after the waterbombing aircraft they were in crashed while trying to douse flames in New South Wales.

The C-130 air tanker hit the ground near Peak View in the Snowy Mountains, killing Captain Ian McBeth, 44, from Montana, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson, 42, from Arizona, and Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr., 43, from Florida.

Coulson Aviation
Coulson Aviation

The US National Interagency Fire Center, which had been coordinating the initiative to send firefighters to Australia to help with the bushfire crisis, released a statement, saying they were deeply saddened by the deaths.

"Our thoughts are also with Coulson Aviation, other American firefighters, and our emergency service colleagues in New South Wales and throughout Australia who have been affected by this incident," the statement said.

"Every time a wildland firefighting tragedy occurs, the international wildland firefighting community is affected and deeply saddened."

"The aircraft was a Lockheed C-130Q Hercules, which was contracted to the NSW Rural Fire Service, through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) from Coulson Aviation, also a valued and longstanding wildland firefighting responder in the U.S. We continue to offer assistance to Australia and those affected by this heartbreaking incident."

Their bodies were flown back to America shortly after the tragedy so that they could be buried by their families.

Featured Image Credit: NSW RFS

Topics: News, Bushfires, Australia