A heartbreaking photo has gone viral for showing the moment the toddler son of a fallen Australian firefighter was awarded a posthumous medal to honor his father's bravery, CNN reported.
19-month-old Harvey Keaton wore a uniform and sucked on a pacifier while the award was pinned to his shirt at his father's funeral.
The volunteer firefighter was joined by fellow first-responder Andrew O'Dwyer. Both men tragically died when a falling tree hit their vehicle, causing it to overturn.
O'Dwyer was also father to a toddler.
Among those in attendance were RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as well as Keaton's fiancée, Jess Hayes, and their toddler son Harvey.
Among the collection of heartbreaking images by NSW Rural Fire Service is one particularly emotional photo that has gripped the internet's heart.
"Today the NSW RFS family farewelled one of their own, with the funeral of Geoffrey Keaton held in western Sydney earlier today," the Facebook post read. "Geoff was one of two firefighters who tragically lost their lives while fighting fires in southwest Sydney on 19 December 2019."
The post continued, "Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons honored Geoffrey today by awarding him posthumously a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery and a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service."
"Such an absolute tragedy," one person wrote, while another added, "A brave man who quite literally put his life on the line to keep others safe from harm. All our love and deepest condolences to his family."
Someone else poignantly wrote, "Australia is devastated."
"They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians," he said.
"Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all the best in their recovery."
A service for O'Dwyer will be held next week.
If you'd like to donate to help Australia's relief efforts, there are many good, credible agencies, including the NSW RSPCA and the NSW Rural Fire Service. Donate to the RSPCA right here or to the NSW RFS right here.
