Local unit among rescue finalists
Mr Deon Broekman, at the head of this fire unit, told the newspaper that he is truly blessed upon receiving this nomination.
LYDENBURG – N3 Rapid Response, the private fire rescue and hazmat operation in town has been nominated by the Centrum® Guardian Project as one of four finalists in this year’s project supporting the men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to save the lives of others.
Mr Deon Broekman, at the head of this fire unit, told the newspaper that he is truly blessed upon receiving this nomination.
“I have a passion for saving lives and making a difference in the community. I came to Lydenburg more than ten years ago. At first it was just a part time project, but ever since two toddlers burnt to death in Steyn Street in 2011, I decided to dedicate my life to fire fighting in town.”
Jan van Niekerk and his wife Belinda have lost their two small children Angelique (3) and Nico (2) in a fire because the only working municipal fire truck broke down enroute. Their scorched bodies were found embracing each other, hiding behind their bed.
This project aims at acknowledging those pulling trapped passengers from beneath a capsized boat in stormy seas, rescuing elderly victims from a burning inferno, with only seconds to spare or giving an unborn baby curled in the womb of a deceased woman a miraculous chance at life.
“This is the relentless work of South Africa’s world-class Emergency and Rescue Services personnel. Dauntless men and women, who devote every ounce of their incredible strength, stamina and energy to saving lives. They give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time,” the nomination letter states.
Since 2008, Centrum®, South Africa’s leading multivitamin, has been recognising the awe-inspiring work of these individuals through the pioneering Centrum® Guardian Project. By retelling, in fascinating detail, the countless stories of endurance, tenacity, skill and teamwork, the Centrum® Guardian Project is a rare and compelling showcase of seven years of devoted service to South Africans. Indeed, it is a little known fact that the South African Emergency and Rescue Services is ranked as one of the best in the world, and Centrum® is proud to be able to raise public awareness and well-deserved recognition for this challenging industry.
These stories are shared with South Africa on national television and other key media.
N3 Fire and Rescue was chosen out of various nominations within South Africa.
