Respect: The Australian flag flies at half-mast outside the Moama Rural Fire Service brigade headquarters on Thursday in respect for Group Captain Dale Bowles.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Tributes have flowed from far and wide for eminent firefighter Dale Bowles following his death during an emergency response in Moama on Tuesday afternoon.
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Rural Fire Service Group Captain Bowles was on the scene of a car fire on Perricoota Rd when he suffered a medical episode about 5.40pm.
Fellow RFS members rendered first aid on-site until paramedics arrived, however nothing could be done to save him.
The impact of his passing has been widespread.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers, who met with Capt Bowles’ family and brigade members in Moama yesterday, led the tributes.
“Group Captain Bowles will leave a lasting imprint through his years of dedicated service to his local community and further afield across the state,” Comm Rogers said.
“My thoughts and thanks are with his fellow brigade members who provided assistance.
“Dale’s passing at this time of year adds an extra layer of sorrow, and we are steadfast in our commitment to stand by his family and brigade colleagues during this challenging period.”
Capt Bowles’ death came just hours after a firefighter was killed in a house blaze in Sydney.
He became a highly-regarded mentor to members of the Womboota Rural Fire Brigade after joining in 2015, having enjoyed a long career in the CFA.
Capt Bowles served across the state and earned many accolades.
He received a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service due to his work during the October 2022 floods.
“Over three months, Group Captain Dale Bowles assumed a number of Sector Command positions at Moama, Tooleybuc, Goodnight and Moulamein,” the commendation citation stated.
“Initially working at Moama, he demonstrated strong leadership and management ability. Establishing a sector base at the Moama RFS Station, he controlled a multi-agency response involving the RFS, NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, council and assisting agencies in a high-intensity, complex and dynamic environment.
“He briefed, tasked and co-ordinated all attached crews, determined resource requirements and managed logistical support for the sector.
“Once the threat to Moama had eased, Group Captain Bowles relieved other Sector Commanders further west at Moulamein, Tooleybuc and Goodnight.
“Group Captain Bowles’ leadership, management skill and commitment make him a deserving recipient of the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.”
That honour followed the Premier’s Bush Fire Citation in 2020 and the National Emergency Medal.
Vale: Group captain Dale Bowles received his citation earlier this year with Commissioner Rob Rogers (right) and Shane Fitzsimmons (left).
Photo by
ADAM HOLLINGWORTH HIRED GUN
The Australian flag flew at half-mast outside the Moama RFS on Thursday in honour of Capt Bowles.
“There are no words to express the sadness that we all feel after the tragic loss of Group Captain Dale Bowles,” the brigade said.
“Womboota and Moama RFS Brigades would like to send their deepest condolences to Dale’s family, friends and brigade members.”
Former head of Resilience NSW and NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons also paid tribute.
“Dale was a lovely fellow and it was a privilege to join Commissioner Rogers earlier this year for his presentation of the Commissioner’s Commendation,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“Thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Dale’s family and loved ones, fellow crew and colleagues during this most difficult time.”
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihab Dib paid tribute to Capt Bowles’ dedication and selflessness.
“This devastating loss of an accomplished member of the RFS will impact the wider emergency services community.
“Our thoughts are with his family and fellow RFS brigade members at this time, as we pay tribute to his committed service as a member of the RFS.”
From across the river, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan paid tribute.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of NSW Rural Fire Service and former CFA member, Dale Bowles,” he said.
“We send our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to our NSW Rural Fire Service colleagues and our CFA members during this difficult time.
“We also acknowledge the impact this has on his family, friends and the broader community.”
Campaspe police also offered a poignant tribute.
“Campaspe police are filled with sorrow and grief over the sudden, heartbreaking loss of our dear friend and colleague, Group Captain Dale Bowles.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all of the brave volunteer firefighters of the New South Wales Rural Fire Brigade.”
In addition to his service to the community, Capt Bowles was the owner of Murray Gums Estate, a boutique winery and olive oil producer.
He is survived by wife Angela, his three children and seven grandchildren.
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