WHEN flames erupted from a petrol pump at the Caltex service station in Armidale, Ivan Smith rushed to help.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An elderly couple had crashed into the petrol pump when the male driver accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake.
On Saturday, Mr Smith, Nicholas Daniell and Hidayat Hidayat were awarded NSW Commissioner Commendations for Courageous Action and Meritorious Service for their bravery in the incident.
Mr Smith said that he felt compelled to help as soon as he saw the fire from the upstairs window of the Abbottsleigh Motel, where he works as the manager.
“It’s funny when you think about it, in life you have these little moments and you just have to make a decision as quick as you can do to the right thing,” he said.
Mr Smith said the incident gave him a newfound respect for the work that police and emergency services do.
“I was just glad that I was able to help and save a life, it’s been an amazing experience really, it’s great to get recognition for doing something brave," he said.