A City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) employee’s quick thinking and willingness to act has helped avert injury and property damage after a vehicle caught on fire on the Princes Highway.
While on his way to an inspection in Corio, CoGG asset inspector Joe Ma noticed a ute parked at traffic lights on the highway was emitting smoke, obviously on fire.
Positioned three cars behind the ute at the lights, Mr Ma didn’t hesitate to act.
“I parked behind the ute with my roof top beacon lights on. I knew I had water containers in the boot, so I assessed the situation, decided the risk was acceptable, and acted,” Mr Ma said.
Mr Ma began pouring water on the fire while another passerby provided a fire extinguisher to the driver of the ute. Together, the three managed to contain the fire before it got out of hand.
Mr Ma was awarded the City’s Employee Excellence Award for his actions, with CoGG chief executive Ali Wastie saying Joe’s actions demonstrated the very best of public service.
“Joe’s calm, decisive and courageous response in the face of danger is an outstanding example of the dedication our employees bring to their work and their community every day,” Ms Wastie said.
“His quick thinking not only prevented a potentially serious incident, but also reflects the values we hold as an organisation; being brave and championing each other. We are immensely proud to have Joe as part of our team.”
Mr Ma said his years of training at the City’s Leisure Services Department, including CPR, first aid and facility evacuation procedures, had helped him respond calmly in the dangerous situation.
“These experiences conditioned me to respond well to spontaneous challenges and invoke a partial auto pilot mode that helps panic settle and assist calmly,” Mr Ma said.
