Three police officers who did not think of their own safety but rather saving the residents of a burning Mt Warrigal home have been recognised for their bravery.
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Lake Illawarra police officers Senior Constable Anthony Zampa, Constable Coop Woodstone and another police officer, who can not be named, received region commander's commendations "for their courage under hazardous circumstances" at a ceremony on Wednesday.
The three officers arrived to find a Madigan Boulevard house ablaze on September 6 last year.
"We just pulled up and there were people running everywhere," Senior Constable Zampa said.
"We realised the firies had just grabbed someone and were bringing him out of the house as we pulled up. I jumped straight on him and helped with CPR."
Despite Senior Constable Zampa's efforts, 84-year-old Erwin Langthaller could not be revived and died at the scene.
"It is still fresh. It was pretty full on," he said
Constable Coop Woodstone arrived to the "chaotic situation" and went around the back of the house to try and gain entry as Mr Langthaller's 53-year-old son was still inside.
"What really stood out for me was I entered the back of the house but was not able to get too far because of the severe thickness of the smoke," he said.
"You think, 'I will be able get in there and have a hunt for people' but I didn't get too far before I had to retreat.
"I'm very thankful the firies were able to get further in and help.
"There was a good and bad outcome on that day. Unfortunately we couldn't be there early enough to save both occupants of the house."
Three police officers were treated on scene for smoke inhalation and one was taken to hospital.
Senior Constable Zampa and Constable Woodstone felt grateful to be recognised by their workmates and NSW Police.
"There are a lot of amazing things other police do every day so to be standing here being recongised for what I did makes me feel very grateful," Constable Woodstone said.
"This was one situation where I had a direct impact on someone's life."
Lake Illawarra police commander Dean Smith said he was extremely proud of the three officers and all other officers who received an award at the ceremony such as for their long service to the force.
"The Mt Warrigal fire job involved multiple emergency services but also displays our officers' efforts and the way they go about their duties," he said
"They do not put their own safety first."
"Our awards ceremony focused on the diligent and ethical service of our officers who have served their community and NSW, some of them for well over 30 years.
"It also recognises the outstanding work they do each and every day where they make our community safer whether that is responding to serious domestics; looking after domestic violence victims; making significant arrests for child abuse material...or responding to those incidents such as the fire at Mt Warrigal.
"It is about celebrating those successes and formally recognising our officers for the work they do."
