The NSW RFS has created dedicated bank accounts to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been tragically killed while on duty this fire season.

Firefighter Samuel McPaul

On the evening of Monday 30 December 2019, volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Rural Fire Brigade, was tragically killed while on duty at the Green Valley fireground east of Albury NSW.

Whilst on the fireground, the fire truck that Samuel and crew were operating from was involved in a rollover caused by extreme winds associated with the fire, resulting in the terrible loss of Samuel and non-life threatening injuries to two other members.

This is a devastating loss to Samuel’s family and his broader NSW RFS family. Samuel was a young man (28 years old) with his whole future ahead of him. He leaves behind a loving wife, Megan, who is pregnant with their first child, due in May. The young couple were in the midst of preparations to welcome their baby and Megan is now facing parenthood without Samuel.

This is another confronting reality of the ever-present dangers faced by our fire fighters, who give so much to protect property and lives, and our collective hearts are breaking.

Since this devastating event, many people have kindly asked how they can help Samuel’s family.

The NSW RFS has created a dedicated bank account to collect donations. All funds received will be distributed to Samuel’s wife, Megan, to provide for their baby’s future.



Donations can be made into the following account:

Account name: NSW Rural Fire Service Bank: Westpac BSB: 032-001 Account number: 183554

You can also make a credit card payment online here.

When making a deposit, please include your name.

For international transfers, please use the following:



SWIFT 8 Digit Code: WPACAU2S

Or

SWIFT 11 Digit Code: WPACAU2SXXX

If there is no BSB option with your financial institution, please place the BSB followed by the account number together into the account number field. For example, combining BSB: 032-001 and Account No: 183554 would simply become Account No: 032001183554

Firefighters Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer

On the evening of Thursday 19 December 2019, two volunteer firefighters were tragically killed while on duty at the Green Wattle Creek fireground, near Buxton in south western Sydney.

The fire truck they were travelling in was struck by a tree, causing the vehicle to leave the road and overturn.

Firefighter Geoffrey Keaton (32 years old) joined the Service in 2006 and is a Deputy Captain of Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade, and a former member of Plumpton Brigade.

Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer (36 years old) joined the Service in 2003, and is a member of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade.

Both Geoffrey and Andrew leave behind loving partners and very young children.

Three other members were in the rear seat of the fire truck, and survived with non-life threatening injuries.

Since this devastating event, many people have kindly asked how they can help these firefighters' families.

The NSW RFS has created a dedicated bank account to collect donations. All funds received will be equally distributed between the spouses of Geoffrey and Andrew.

Donations can be made into the following account:

Account name: NSW Rural Fire Service Bank: Westpac BSB: 032-001 Account number: 183546

You can also make a credit card payment online here.

When making a deposit, please include your name.

For international transfers, please use the following:



SWIFT 8 Digit Code: WPACAU2S

Or

SWIFT 11 Digit Code: WPACAU2SXXX



If there is no BSB option with your financial institution, please place the BSB followed by the account number together into the account number field. For example, combining BSB: 032-001 and Account No: 183546 would simply become Account No: 032001183546

Receipts

The NSW RFS has received an overwhelming response in support of our volunteer firefighters who tragically lost their lives while protecting their communities.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible for Australian residents.

Due to the large number of donations received, a tax deductible receipt will not be issued. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has advised it is not necessary to issue a tax deductible receipt and you should be able to claim the deduction as a donor. Your bank statement or internet banking printed copy of the transfer details is sufficient evidence of your donation for taxation purposes. Advice from the ATO is available here.

International donors should seek advice regarding the tax status of any donations made.

Again, thank you for your generous donation and your support.