VICSES Corio Unit volunteer commended for life-saving rescue

Long-time Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteer and current staff member Justin Costello has been awarded the rare Commendation of Service Award, following his life-saving role in the 2022 rescue of a teenager from a flooded stormwater drain near Altona Meadows.

A 17-year veteran of the VICSES Corio Unit, a former Operational Communications Technical Project Coordinator and the organisation’s current Facilities Manager, Justin had been travelling home from VICSES’ Sunshine Office on the evening of October 27, 2022 when he overheard a paged job to the VICSES Hobsons Bay Unit on the dispatch radio.

The message stated a 14-year-old boy had become trapped in fast-flowing flood water and was holding onto a grate, but was struggling to keep his grip, while further updates noted the water was up to the teen’s neck.

Land Based Swift Water crews were activated, however, as a senior volunteer himself, Justin notified dispatch and the Regional Duty Officer he was in close proximity, before driving directly to the incident, knowing he had the skills required to potentially assist with a rescue.

Upon his arrival, Justin was promptly approached by another teen, who said his friend was trapped under the nearby grate after being swept from his bicycle.

After reassuring the trapped teen, Justin quickly retrieved a socket set from his vehicle, and began work on the grate, later assisted by a Victoria Police officer who held the boy’s hands to the grate to prevent him washing away.

Justin worked for around seven minutes to loosen the grate, before lifting the boy free, as he remained clinging to the grate.

Victoria Police members have since lauded Justin’s decision to respond to the rescue while off-duty, noting both teens would have likely drowned without him taking quick action.

In a citation, Justin’s experience as a VICSES volunteer and the use of his skills developed in his Operational Communications role were lauded, and said to have “no doubt saved this young boy’s life”.

“Justin displayed fine examples of our VICSES values, that being focussed and adaptable, we are part of our community and we pride ourselves on our credibility.”

Quotes attributable to Sharon Unthank, VICSES Senior Assistant Chief Officer (Western):

“This incident could have quickly turned deadly if not for Justin’s selflessness and quick-thinking. His actions on this evening epitomise what it means to be a VICSES volunteer, working in tandem with partner agencies to ensure the safety of those in their community.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES Corio Unit volunteer, Justin Costello:

“When I heard the page come through, I instantly knew I was only a short distance away from an incident which sounded extremely dangerous.

“It’s rewarding knowing I played my role in likely saving a life that evening.”