City of Greater Geelong Asset Inspector Joe Ma has been recognised with the June Employee Excellence Award for his swift and selfless actions that helped prevent serious injury and property damage during a roadside emergency.
While travelling from Wurriki Nyal to Corio for a job inspection, Joe noticed smoke billowing from a ute stopped at traffic lights on the Princes Highway. Positioned three cars behind, he quickly recognised the potential danger.
“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,” Joe said.
Joe emptied 10 litres of water onto the flames while another passer-by provided a fire extinguisher to the driver. Together, they were able to contain the fire before it caused further damage or injury.
City of Greater Geelong Chief Executive Ali Wastie said 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. 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.”
Joe attributes his ability to respond calmly under pressure to his years of training and experience in the City’s Leisure Services Department, where he undertook regular skills training including CPR, first aid, hiking risk management, lifeguard updates and facility evacuation procedures.
“These experiences conditioned me to respond well to spontaneous challenges and invoke a partial ‘auto pilot’ mode that helps panic settle and assist calmly,” Joe said.
Since moving to Civil Infrastructure, Joe has continued to update his first aid qualifications, with support from his team.
The City of Greater Geelong congratulates Joe on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his commitment to community safety.
