Firefighters awarded medals after Venezuela earthquake rescue mission

Six south Wales firefighters have returned home safely after spending two weeks rescuing people trapped in the aftermath of the Venezuela earthquake.

The team, part of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, volunteered as part of a 68-strong UK International Search and Rescue contingent following the disaster on June 24.

During the deployment, the crew was awarded the “Hero of Venezuela” medal by Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, in recognition of their humanitarian work.

Group manager Darren Cleaves, of South Wales Fire and Rescue, acted as the deputy team leader for the entire UK operation, overseeing rescue resources on the ground.

Mr Cleaves said: “Despite the heartbreak, we also witnessed communities supporting one another through unimaginable circumstances and emergency responders from around the world working side by side to save lives.”

The south Wales team included Kev Dite, Tristan Bowen, Robert Buckley, Luke Davies, and Adrian Cummings.

The firefighters used specialist skills in shoring, breaching, and breaking to locate and free victims trapped within collapsed concrete structures.

Watch manager Mr Dite, who served as the team’s chief drone pilot to search the debris, described the scene.

Mr Dite said: “Nothing can truly prepare you for standing in the silence that follows devastation. Entire streets were reduced to rubble, and homes were buried beneath concrete and dust.”

The team was deployed through the UK Government’s Foreign Office following an official request for international aid from the Venezuelan government.

Crew Manager Robert Buckley thanked local families and colleagues for their support during the sudden deployment.

Mr Buckley said: “Even though we are now home safely, their anguish is just beginning, and our thoughts go out to the people of Venezuela.”