A bronze plaque at Bridal Veil Falls at Robertson paid tribute to intensive care paramedic Michael Wilson, who was killed on Christmas Eve 2011 as he attempted to pull a stricken canyoner to safety. 

Mr Wilson was the first NSW paramedic to die on the job in more than 30 years. His death devastated those in the profession, particularly those from his close-knit Special Casualty Access Team. 

With Mr Wilson’s widow Kellie, NSW Ambulance made arrangements for a plaque and had it fixed to the rocks with cement and screws on the first anniversary of the tragedy.

It was noticed missing earlier this month, said Cameron Edgar, zone manager for helicopter operations for NSW Ambulance.  

“We see this as a despicable act and we’re at a loss for words as to why it’s happened,” he told the Mercury. 

“Our focus at the moment, because this is a very personal thing, is on supporting Michael’s family and the ambulance family. This has been very upsetting for them. 

“There are members of the helicopter fraternity who I’m sure go and pay their respects [at the site] from time to time. It was a memorial in every sense. 

“We intend to work with NSW Police to assist them in their investigation.

“If we can’t get it back then we’ll continue to support each other and Michael’s family and we’ll get a new plaque.

“Michael was incredibly well thought of. We will band together and focus on the memory of Michael and what a fantastic teammate he was.” 

Mr Wilson, a 42-year-old father of three, died from extensive blunt force trauma injuries sustained during a dangerous rescue at the Robertson waterfall.

He was attempting to winch a patient – an experienced canyoner who had fallen 10 metres and become trapped on a rock ledge – into a helicopter when he hit a rock ledge. 

UPDATE: A spokeswoman for NSW Ambulance said arrangements were being made for replacement plaque. 

“NSW Ambulance is disturbed by the theft of the plaque that was put in place to memorialize Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT) Paramedic Michael Wilson,” the spokeswoman said. 

“We have taken immediate steps to have this memorial reinstated as soon as possible. NSW Ambulance is also investigating options for strengthening the fixture of the plaque to the rock face, to guard against any future recurrence of theft or damage.” 

Senior Constable Driscoll of Lake Illawarra is leading the police investigation into the theft. Contact the station on 4232 5599 to assist police.