Two rescue volunteers honoured after dying in boating emergency
Marine Rescue volunteers Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen were honoured at a state ceremony after dying in May.
Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen died responding to a call for help near the South Ballina breakwall in northern NSW in May. The two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answered the distress call as they had done countless times before.
Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen's names were added to a state memorial at Sydney's Mrs Macquarie's Chair on Sunday, alongside ten volunteers from the Rural Fire Service. The ceremony recognised their years of selfless service to their communities.
Marine Rescue NSW deputy commissioner Dan Duemmer said their legacy was built on commitment and care for others. The pair embodied the values of their service and their loss has been deeply felt by families, fellow volunteers and the communities they served.
The memorial now holds 137 names of fallen rescue workers, a reminder of the everyday heroes who put their lives on the line.
- 62
- Frank Petsch age
- 78
- Bill Ewen age
- 137
- Names on memorial
- 10
- RFS volunteers honoured
Why it mattersThese volunteers showed the real cost of emergency response, and their recognition honours the people who give their time without pay to help others in danger.
AustraliaAustralians rely on volunteer rescue services across the country; this memorial reflects the ongoing sacrifice required to keep communities safe.
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