Australia's Fallen Firefighters

15/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our life members, Ron Kinchin, aged 90.

Ron joined Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade in 1995, serving in multiple positions over 30 years, including assisting in the establishment of one of the district breathing apparatus cylinder filling stations housed at Alpine RFB. Like many of our members who step away from firefighting, Ron continued to serve for many years in operational support functions behind the scenes.

For Ron’s dedication to Alpine RFB, he was awarded life membership in 2018, NSW RFS Long Service 2nd Clasp (30 yrs), and the National Medal 1st Clasp (20 yrs).

Those who met Ron would say he was a humble achiever who put others before himself. Ron has made an everlasting impact and will be sorely missed.

Regards,
Alpine/Aylmerton RFB

13/04/2026

10/04/2026

22/02/2026

Sad News from Mangrove Mountain RFS.
It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Eddie Grant, a Life Member of the Mangrove Brigade and a true pillar of our community. With over 35 years of dedicated service.
For more than three decades, he was there whenever his community needed him. His contribution to the Mangrove Brigade and the broader community cannot be measured simply in years of service, but also in the knowledge he shared and the mentorship he provided.
We extend our deepest condolences to Eddie’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of standing beside him in yellow.
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Through summer’s heat and winter’s chill,
Now your siren’s silent, your shift complete,
Your work laid down at heaven’s feet.
But in every flame we face from here,
We’ll feel your strength, we’ll know you’re near.
Rest easy, mate, your shift is done —
We’ll carry on what you’ve begun.

05/12/2025

24/11/2025

🖤CONDOLENCES🖤

The Officers and Members of the Carrum Downs Fire Brigade extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fellow fire fighters of Peter Curtis.

Peter was a well respected veteran CFS volunteer in South Australia who passed away in the line of duty yesterday, while fighting a fire on the Eyre Peninsula.

🖤 Rest in peace Peter, your fellow volunteer colleagues will take it from here 🖤

03/11/2025

Vale Chief Superintendent Craig Geddes

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sad passing of Chief Superintendent Craig Geddes last night.

From the moment he joined the Beacon Hill Brigade on 1 February 1980, Craig’s dedication to the RFS never wavered, and he maintained a proud connection to the brigade throughout his life.

Craig became a staff member in September 1994 as the Fire Control Officer at Warringah Council, before being appointed District Manager of Warringah Pittwater in 2001 and later District Manager of Northern Beaches in 2016.

Deeply respected by both volunteers and staff, Craig was known as a practical and grounded leader who always placed people and community at the heart of his work.

Throughout his distinguished career, Craig also held several key temporary assignments including Manager Region East, Manager Operational Doctrine and Standards and Regional Services Manager, Business and Operations.

As a Level 3 Incident Controller, he played an instrumental role in leading the Service’s response to many major fire events, including the 1994/95, 1997/98, 2000/01, 2013/14 and 2019/20 Black Summer fires.

In his most recent role as Manager, Operational Response, Craig made a significant contribution to modernising the Service through the implementation of Centralised Dispatch and Computer Aided Dispatch systems across all Districts. These initiatives have transformed how the RFS operates, enhancing coordination, communication and response.

Craig also served as a Deputy State Operations Controller and State Duty Operations Officer, where his calm leadership and deep operational expertise guided the Service through complex statewide incidents.

Despite personal tragedy, Craig demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Service and its members. His exceptional work ethic, compassion and willingness to mentor others earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him. The State Operations Centre will not be the same without Craig’s presence, leadership and humour.

Craig’s service to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the people of NSW spanned more than 45 years. He leaves a legacy of professionalism, integrity and dedication that will long be remembered.

Craig’s passing will be deeply felt across the RFS community. During this time, it is important that we look after one another and I remind everyone that support services are available for anyone who may need them.

Our thoughts are with Craig’s sons, Luke and Matthew, and his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

The details of the funeral will be circulated once they are known.

26/08/2025

The thin blue line is a little thinner today, Rest In Peace to the Fallen.

Thoughts are with the two officers family, friends and fellow officers.

Victoria Police

30/07/2025

UPDATE - A memorial service for George Slennett will be held Friday 8th August 2025 at 12pm at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Dr Green Point. RFS members attending are requested to wear uniform for Guard of Honour. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Australian Cancer Research - https://give.acrf.com.au
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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Slennett, long time legend of Matcham Holgate Rural Fire Service, who passed away peacefully yesterday evening, Monday 28th July 2025, with his family nearby. George had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He would have turned 87 this August.

George's involvement with the Matcham-Holgate Bush Fire Brigade and the RFS began shortly after he and his wife Joan moved into the local area with their three children in the early 1970s. George’s commitment to serving the community and the RFS spanned over five decades. After more than 50 years with Matcham-Holgate Brigade, George had seen it all. He was involved in countless major fire and storm events, numerous brigade building renovations and upgrades, and many changes in brigade crew numbers and dynamics. Through it all, George remained a steady, consistent presence.

Never one to stand by and watch, George held numerous positions during his time with the Brigade, including: Captain (4 years), Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Member, Training Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Callout Officer, Permit Officer, RFSA Representative, and Mentor to all

For his exemplary service, George was recognised with the following honours:
- RFS Long Service Medal (10 years)
- RFS Long Service Award (15 years)
- RFS Long Service Medal Clasp (20 years)
- RFS Long Service Award (25 years)
- RFS Long Service Medal Clasp (30 years)
- RFS Long Service Medal Clasp (40 years)
- Brigade Life Membership
- National Medal
- National Medal – Clasp 1
- National Medal – Clasp 2
- Premier’s Bush Fire Emergency Citation
- Captain Retired Status

George was the consummate professional in everything he did. Matcham-Holgate Brigade and the wider community were privileged to have benefited from George's tireless service. He was a friend and mentor to everyone, held in the highest regard by all who knew him, and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and love are with Joan and George’s family at this difficult time.