Courage under gunfire

On Thursday the 26th of September 2013, Callow was on his way to the Wadeville Fire Station from Alberton when he witnessed an armed robbery on Davidson Street. He immediately blocked the road off with his car to try prevent anyone from driving into the line of fire.

While taking cover next to his vehicle from the gunshots, Callow spoke to his station manager and explained the situation, asking for medical and law enforcement backup. He then saw a woman in her car in front of him, caught in the gun crossfire. Callow managed to pull her out of her car helped her leave safely after the shooting had died down.

A metro police officer at the scene signalled for Callow to come over to where he and other officers had been positioned. The officer then informed him that three of his colleagues had been shot and were in a serious condition. When Callow reached the officers, he saw a red car covered in bullet holes and a man lying in the driver’s seat – he had died as a result of his injuries. A SAPS officer who had been shot dead lay next to his vehicle.

Callow also saw two of his colleagues, Quinton Steenberg and Yul Liesering, both from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) lying on the ground, both critically injured. Liesering had a total of 12 bullet wounds.

Wimpie van Vuuren from Emer-G-Med then arrived on the scene, while the SAPS helicopter circled above. Captain Barnardo, the pilot, and Callow loaded Liesering on to the helicopter before both flew to the hospital. An Emer-G-Med ambulance crew arrived at the scene and started treating Steenberg, who would later be airlifted to the Union Hospital.

Callow requested the pilot to fly in such a way that Liesering’s head would be lower than his feet, allowing blood to flow to his brain and vital organs. He stayed in the ICU for a few of weeks due to his injuries. When Callow met Liesering’s family, he was reminded of why he chose his profession.

“Although we can’t save everyone, we are dedicated to helping people in need anytime, anywhere”, said Callow.

Steenberg and Liesering, who are both Special Weapons and Tactics EMPD officers, explained that on the day, they had been undercover in a joint operation with National Crime Intelligence and the SAPS K9 Unit. A total of 12 robbers were involved in this robbery, which was estimated to have been worth R2 million. One police officer was killed, four robbers were arrested, six were killed on the scene and two more died in hospital.

Timing and skill saved Liesering and Steenberg’s lives that day. Callow, the medical crews on site and the SAPS helicopter crew have since been lauded for their quick response that day.

“These amazing true-life rescue stories highlight the fact that rescue personnel devote every ounce of their incredible strength, stamina and energy to saving lives,” said Natasha Macdonald, the Centrum® brand manager.

Vote for Michael Callow by watching his story on the Centrum® Guardians website www.centrumguardians.com.

Centrum® Guardians is an initiative that showcases our nation’s multi-disciplinary and high calibre Emergency and Rescue Services to the South African public.

For every Centrum sold in July and August, the company will contribute funding towards emergency and rescue services specialised training. The next life they save could be yours. Follow @CentrumSA on Twitter or visit the Centrum South Africa Facebook page.