4 Children and Baby on the Way Lose Firefighter Dads in Australia Blazes — Here's How to Help Them

Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service

Since the devastating bushfires broke out in September, at least two dozen people have lost their lives. Among those fatalities were three volunteer firefighters — two of whom were fathers to young children, and one who was expecting his first child in the coming months.

Samuel McPaul,Geoffrey KeatonandAndrew O’Dwyerwere all on duty, battling the ravaging blazes in New South Wales, when they tragically lost their lives in December.

Keaton, 32, and O’Dwyer, 36, both died after a tree fell down near Buxton on Dec. 19, causing their truck to roll off the road and overturn, theNSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed.

In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Australians have been rallying around the men’s loved ones, including their wives and children, as they prepare for a future without their husbands and fathers.

Andrew O’Dwyer (left) and Geoffrey Keaton.NSW Rural Fire Service/Facebook (2)

Samuel McPaul and wife Megan.NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

The RFS said Keaton joined the Service in 2006, was a former member of Plumpton Brigade and most recently served as the Horsley Park Fire Brigade deputy captain. O’Dwyer was a member of the Horsley Park Fire Brigade, joining the Service in 2003.

Sadly, both men were married and fathers to 20-month-old children. Keaton had a son named Harvey, who was presented with a posthumous medal to honor his father’s bravery at his funeral on Jan. 2.

Heartbreaking photos from the service show Harvey having the medal pinned on his shirt with a pacifier in his mouth, while others captured the “Daddy I love you to the moon and back!” mug placed on top of Keaton’s casket.

Harvey Keaton receiving a medal in honor of his late father, Geoffrey.NSW Rural Fire Service

Geoffrey Keaton’s funeral.NSW Rural Fire Service

O’Dwyer had a daughter named Charlotte, whowore her father’s firefighter helmetand refused to leave his side at his funeral service on Jan. 7. The late firefighter also had two young sons.

“I express my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the firefighters who have so tragically been killed overnight,” Morrison wrote. “They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians.”

“Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered,” he added.

DEAN LEWINS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Andrew O’Dwyer.Facebook

As for McPaul, the RFS revealed on Jan. 1 that his wife Megan is currently pregnant with their first child, who is due in May.

After the three losses, the RFS announced that they created a dedicated bank account “to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been tragically killed while on duty this fire season.”

Donations can be madestraight to the two designated bank accounts for the firefighters or through a credit card payment online, both of which can be found on RFS’ website.

Anotherrunning fund for the firefighters’ familieshas been set up within the past three days and over $8,300 has been raised so far.

RELATED VIDEO: Firefighter Gives Koala A Drink While Fires Continue to Rage in South Australia

Since September, at least 25 people have been killed while a whopping 12 million acres have been wiped out, destroying hundreds of homes and buildings. A seven-day state of emergency was declared on Dec. 23.

As of Wednesday, experts said the fires burning across Australia have likely leftmore than one billion animals dead, according toToday.

Ecologists from the University of Sydney believe 800 million total mammals, birds and reptiles have died in the state of New South Wales since September, professor Chris Dickman told the outlet. That massive number includes a third of the New South Wales koala population, and fatalities are only expected to increase.

source: people.com