Australia's Fallen Firefighters

29/06/2026

Sad news to hear that RFF Peter Cusens from Dunheved and Lawson Fire Stations has passed away from cancer.
R.I.P

18/05/2026

A Message from our friends at Warrnambool Fire Brigade

Our thoughts are with them all in this trying time, may the fallen rest in gods hands.

*START
Our hearts are heavy today after the quick and unexpected passing of Brigade member FF David "Hoops" Hooper.

Hoops was an experienced veteran before he and his family moved to Warrnambool for work and joined up with us back in 2021. However, began his volunteering journey back in 1993 at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade where served as 2nd, 3rd and 4th Lt.

He transferred to Kinglake CFA in 2005 serving with distinction on Black Saturday where he, alongside his fellow fire fighters, sheltered over 300 members of the community in the fire station while ensuring the fire station did not burn down.

These efforts saw the Brigade awarded with the Chief Officer's Unit Citation for Courage. He also held the position of 2nd and 3rd Lt as well as assisting as a junior leader.

In 2015, Dave jumped the ditch with his family for work and immediately volunteered with St Helens Fire Brigade - Tasmania until moving to Warrnambool in 2021.

Hoops immediately fit into our Brigade, bringing his passion and dedication with him as well as his family. Often the first to the station on Sunday mornings, he'd sometimes have the trucks checked over before the rostered duty crew showed up.

His experience and dedication was not only shown on the fire ground where he was a regular attendee, but in his desire to coach and mentor the next generation of fire fighters.

Dave was elected Junior Coordinator in 2024 (after assisting as a leader the year prior) and immediately set about reinvigorating the Junior Development program after the hiatus due to Covid.
His passion shone through with a number of these former juniors now making the transition into the senior ranks of the respective Brigades they now find themselves in.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's wonderful wife and kids during this difficult time. Dave's selflessness, humour and dedication will not only live on through his kids, but the dozens of Junior fire fighters he trained and inspired as well as the hundreds, if not thousands, of people he selflessly gave up his time for year after year.

Rest easy Hoops.
END*

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