Hurstville firefighters Shannon Crofton and Cameron Thompson have returned home from a 10-day mission to Vanuatu to help in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam.
The pair were part of the 56-member Australian Urban Search and Rescue task force which was led by Fire and Rescue NSW.
The team involving firefighters, police and a paramedic departed for Port Vila on March 17 and returned on Friday.
Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins said the task force worked to repair critical infrastructure including schools and hospitals which had been severely damaged by the cyclone.
“I am extremely proud that Fire and Rescue could lead such a dedicated and highly skilled team to help the people of Vanuatu in their time of need,” he said.
“The team has gone above and beyond in helping the people of Vanuatu get back on their feet. We can be sure that the help they provided will be welcomed by those who have suffered great loss as a result of this devastating cyclone.
“Fire and Rescue NSW has a good relationship with the emergency services in Vanuatu, having previously donated fire engines and firefighting equipment.’’
As part of the mission the task force carried out 50 rapid damage assessments on health, education and government buildings including the Port Vila Hospital, public schools in and around Port Vila, and a maternity centre.