Cootamundra man Michael Van Baast has been recognised for his bravery, which no doubt saved the life of Harden man, Jacob Prosser.
The Cootamundra man responsible for saving Harden man Jacob Prosser from a burning vehicle last year, has been recognised with a Commissioner’s Commendation award from NSW Fire and Rescue. Early in the morning of September 17, last year, a vehicle being driven by Jacob left the road between Cootamundra and Wallendbeen. The car collided with a tree, and burst into flames, trapping Jacob. Michael Van Baast, a Cootamundra local, was returning from the Wombat Rally when he came across the alight vehicle. After calling emergency services, and realising they wouldn’t arrive in time, Michael took matters into his own hands.
At great personal risk, he ran to the flaming vehicle and pulled Jacob, who was trapped by both legs, from the wreck ultimately saving his life. In order to do this, Michael had to bend the vehicle’s door down, and drag Jacob over it, all whilst facing a burning dashboard. The entire incident was caught by Michael’s dashcam, and the video attracted the attention of media outlets across the country, with Australians in awe of the bravery demonstrated. Jacob would be transported to Wagga, and then to Sydney, undergoing surgery and subsequent rounds of physical rehabilitation.
Eight months later, Jacob’s life has largely returned to normal, all thanks to the bravery and herculean effort of Michael. The NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner’s Commendation is understood to be the second-highest civilian award in the state. It recognises nothing short of extreme bravery, in incredibly hazardous or dangerous circumstances.
Writing on Facebook of Michael’s award, Jacob said, “You’re a bloody true blue Aussie legend Michael Van Baast! You deserve it! I cannot thank you enough.”
