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Venezuela honours SWFRS specialists following earthquake response
The acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has honoured specialists from SWFRS who were deployed as part of UK ISAR with “Hero of Venezuela” medals.
The honours, which recognise “dedication and heroism”, were presented to international rescuers, including six members of SWFRS who volunteered with UK ISAR in response to the devastating earthquakes.
As part of a 68-strong contingent from 14 of the UK’s fire and rescue services, the SWFRS involvement was made up of a team of six, each bringing specialist skills to support the rescue phase of the operation.
The UK ISAR deputy team leader was SWFRS’s Group Manager Darren Cleaves, who was overseeing the command and coordination of assets and resources on the ground.
GM Cleaves was presented with the Venezuelan nation’s highest recognition for “dedication, nobility and heroism of those who, defying all difficulties, devote their work to humanitarian assistance and aid.”
GM Cleaves said: “I was incredibly proud to deploy alongside five colleagues from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
“Despite the heartbreak, we also witnessed the very best of humanity. Communities supporting one another through unimaginable circumstances and emergency responders from around the world working side by side with one shared purpose – to save lives, provide hope and stand with those who need us most.”
Supporting GM Cleaves in the mission were Kev Dite, Tristan Bowen, Robert Buckley, Luke Davies and Adrian Cummings, all of whom have extensive experience in international rescue operations, including specialist capabilities in shoring, breaching, and breaking – all critical to locating and accessing casualties trapped within collapsed structures.
Temporary Watch Manager Tristan Bowen said: “The ISAR family brings together people who have never met, from different cultures, backgrounds and religions, and sees them pulling together in one incredible global effort. It was humbling to see rescue teams from around the world being so selfless and putting themselves in danger for the sake of others.”
Another team member, Watch Manager Kev Dite, also serves as the Service’s Chief Drone Pilot, and utilised both Service and ISAR drone technology to support operational activity.
Describing the deployment to Venezuela with UK ISAR as “the greatest privilege of my career,” he said: “You arrive prepared with the training, the equipment, and the professionalism that years of service demand. But nothing can truly prepare you for standing in the silence that follows devastation.
“Entire streets reduced to rubble. Homes that once echoed with laughter now buried beneath concrete and dust. Families waiting, hoping, grieving.”
Crew Manager Robert Buckley said: “We owe a massive thanks to our families at home and to SWFRS for supporting us and giving us the opportunity to help the Venezuelan people.
“Even though we are now home safely, their anguish is just beginning, and our hearts and thoughts go out to the people of Venezuela.”
The Service has supported ISAR training and deployments for over 25 years and the UK ISAR team was deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, following a request for support from the Venezuelan government.
The team from SWFRS is now safely home. They all thanked the Service, their colleagues, and especially their families and friends for all the support they’ve received.
