NSW SES volunteer Vic Weller once rescued more than 150 dogs and a few goats from floodwaters near Londonderry.
In 2012, he was out driving with another volunteer Matthew Stone (now with the Hills Unit), towing a small inflatable boat.
He recalls it was dark as all the street lights were out, when they received a job at a stud farm at Londonderry near Penrith.
They were met with an extraordinary sight - 100 grey hound dogs and puppies trying to climb out of their wire enclosure.
"The water was about 1.m deep and the dogs were just managing to keep their heads above the water. They were exhausted, but alive.”
Making multiple trips, the men carried the dogs - 15 to 20 at a time to dry land.
Later that night, Vic rescued another 3 dogs and their owners from a nearby property.
Then helped another family, including a pregnant woman, to dry land.
He says helping people is the reason why he has been volunteering for the last decade. He joined the NSW SES Parramatta Unit when he retired.
“I’m very proud of what we do.”
Recently he took-up the role of Unit Commander of the newly formed Hunter Capability Unit.
This is a dedicated facility to improve the skills and experience of other Units in the lower part of the Northern Zone.
A video of the dog rescue can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2HIX757
Thinking about becoming a member like Vic but not sure what you'd like to do? Find out about our various volunteering roles
