THREE firefighters in the West have been awarded the first MFB Valour Medals in 50 years for putting their lives on the line to save a colleague.

Leading firefighter Mark Fincher, leading firefighter Brian O’Connell and senior firefighter Russell Johnson became the only firefighters to receive Valour Medals since 1959, two years after a blaze at Yarraville Japanese Screens and Interiors nearly claimed leading firefighter Richard Zapart’s life.

The Valour Medal is the highest honour awarded by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and is awarded for outstanding bravery in the course of operations.

Mr Zapart, 58, received burns to 45 per cent of his body, with extensive burns to his hands, back and legs after being knocked unconscious when a fire on 12 October 2007 “flashed over”.

Mr Fincher, Mr O’Connell and Mr Johnson re-entered the burning building and rescued Mr Zapart. MFB firefighters and paramedics revived Mr Zapart on the scene and then returned to fighting the blaze.

Mr Zapart was released from The Alfred hospital’s burns unit before Christmas 2007 and has had intensive rehabilitation since. He still has to have a couple of skin grafts and minor operations to his shoulder and knees.

The veteran firefighter, who has served with the MFB for 32 years, attended the awards ceremony yesterday and received a MFB Letter of Appreciation.

Eight other firefighters also received an MFB Board Citation of Service and Chief Officer Commendation for their help in fighting the fire and resuscitating Mr Zapart.