The Son Of A Firefighter Who Passed Away In The Australia Bushfires Receives A Medal To Honor His Dad's Bravery

Jan 04, 2020 by apost team

In a touching tribute to his father's life, the 19-month-old son of firefighter Geoffrey Keaton was awarded a medal that his father earned posthumously for bravery. Keaton was a firefighter in New South Wales, Australia, where he was battling a wildfire when he lost his life.

During Keaton's funeral he was awarded a medal for bravery shown in the line of duty, and because it was earned after death it is usually given to a family member. The chosen family member was his son, 19-month-old Harvey Keaton. New South Wales' Fire Commissioner attended the funeral and was the one to pin it to the toddler during the service as shown in NSW Rural Fire Service's Facebook post.

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For the past several months wildfires have been raging across Australia, causing millions in damage and endangering the lives of humans and wildlife. Firefighters have been battling the blazes non-stop and it was during this period of time that Keaton lost his life.

While driving a vehicle, he and his partner were struck by a burning tree that caused their rig to flip over with them inside. Both firefighters lost their lives in the accident and both were buried and honored by the nation, reports 7 News.

Hundreds of well wishers and firefighters attended the funeral for Geoffrey Keaton, and it was attended by several dignitaries too, including Australia's Prime Minister, reports SBS News. Their deaths garnered national and international attention to the crisis, and the risks to firefighters everywhere when battling wildfires.

To help those families that have lost loved ones in the line of duty during the wildfires, the Fire Service has opened an account for donations. Losing a loved one is difficult, but maintaining the family after is a lifelong problem as well when the sole provider is gone.

The accident can never be undone, but there is a lot we can do to prevent wildfires like this from happening, and measures society can take to deal with climate change and the aftermath.