This Site Was Last Updated On 31st July 2025
The
NSW Fire Brigades Retirees Association Incorporated, is a voluntary
association which aims to provide members with useful information, keep
members advised of upcoming events, send offs, dinners and functions
and maintains the comradeship and friendships formed during service
with NSW Fire Brigades. Depending on privacy considerations it may be
possible to help members keep in touch with or contact former comrades.
The association is open to any retired member of NSW Fire Brigades both
operational and administrative and includes wives and husbands. It
costs nothing to join the Association,
just write, call or email and give us your details or
complete the Membership Form on line.
Latest News!
Annual luncheon. This year the Annual Luncheon will be held on
15th October 2025 at Club York, 99 York Street, Sydney. Unfortunately we no longer receive support from Firefighters Mutual Bank and as such the Committee have no alternative but to pass on the full charge to our members and guests who will be attending. This year the cost is $84.00. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
(31/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Qualified Firefighter
Peter EDWARDS (8222) formerly of 340 Umina Fire Station. Peter passed away on the 21st July 2025.
Peter commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 10th August 2001 and retired 6th February 2023 serving for 21+ years.
Peter served at 23 Gladesville, 50 Hornsby, 292 Doyalson, and 340 Umina Fire Stations.
Funeral details will be updated in FR360 once advised.
(31/07/2025)
Update: The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired F/F
Raymond Charles MITCHELL (3301)
on 24th July 2025. Raymond joined the NSWFB on 16/07/1964 and retired medically unfit on 02/06/1972
after being injured at an incident at Rookwood on 31/07/1972. The funeral will
be at 10am, Monday, 4th August 2025, in Perth WA.
The funeral will be live streamed. I had to copy and paste the
hyperlink into browser to work. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1Mzc1MDMwMTE2OTg2NDcmb25lcm9vbS1hZG1pbiZjb3B5X2xpbms=
(31/07/2025)
Latest
Commissioner's Orders
2025/15 received.
(28/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Captain Michael
MILLS (236005), formerly of 236 Braidwood Fire Station, on Friday, 25th July 2025.
Michael commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on the 1st January 1977 and retired on the 30th November 2000,
serving for close to 24 years. Funeral
(25/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Senior Firefighter
Rodney GERSBACH (5750) formerly of 33 Engadine Fire Station.
Rodney passed away on 17th July 2025. Rodney commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 20th June 1980
and retired 10th May 2007 serving for 27 years. Rodney served at 28 Marrickville, 21 Kogarah, 27 Parramatta,
30 Lidcombe, 31 Busby, 16 Concord, and 46 Sutherland Fire Stations. Funeral
(24/07/2025)
Friday Firies:- on tomorrow 25/07/2025
at Toongabbie Sports Club commencing at 09:00. Ray Kelly.
(24/07/2025)
It is with deep sadness and regret that I have been informed by Kathryn Haswell the sad passing of her father Kevin Haswell. Retired Station Officer
Kevin Francis HASWELL (4101) passed away peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, 23rd July
2025 whilst in care. Kevin joined the NSW Fire Brigades on 20th December 1968 and was posted to HQ B Platoon. As a Station Officer he permanently served at 73 Fairfield and 41 Smithfield Fire Stations. Kevin retired on 14th July 2000 having served 32 years of dedicated service.
Funeral
(24/07/2025)
The Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Station Officer
Danny O'CONNOR (5511) on 23/07/2025. Danny joined the NSWFB on 24/11/1978 and retired in August 2005 as Station Officer at
238 Station Broken Hill.
Funeral
(23/07/2025)
Another descriptive Fire News report from Retirees Fire News Editor Kernin Lambert
of the Bulk Carrier Iron Chieftain Fire Port Kembla Monday, 18th
June 2018. This uncontrollable ferocious major ship fire of nearly a weeks duration presented Firefighters with unique, hazardous and highly challenging conditions and
circumstances. Article
(21/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of On-call Firefighter
Mark Anthony 'Reg' LLOYD (520802) on Friday, 11th July 2025 formerly of 382 Morpeth Fire Station.
Mark was aged 59 years. Mark commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 15 January 2005 and served for 6 years.
Funeral
The funeral will be livestreamed.
Please visit:- pettigrew.com.au/lloyd-mark/
(19/07/2025)
Celebration of the life of John Allan PEAKE:- Family and
friends are warmly invited to a celebration of John's life
on Tuesday 5th August 2025 at 11am Massey Park Golf Club,
1 Ian Parade, Concord, NSW 2137. Flyer
(17/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Deputy Captain
Peter 'Bilko' DENNIS (465006), formerly of 465 Trangie Fire Station.
Peter passed away on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Peter joined New South Wales Fire Brigades on 15 October 1975 and retired on 2 October 2016 serving for 41 years.
Funeral
(17/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Senior Firefighter
Mark (Sand Fly) PHELAN (4982),
formerly of 351 Bateau Bay Fire Station. Mark passed away Friday, 11th July 2025.
Mark joined New South Wales Fire Brigades in November 1973 and retired on 3rd July 2014 serving for 40 years.
Mark (Sand Fly) served at 04 Darlinghurst, 61 Lane Cove, 75 Berowra, 341 Kariong and 351 Bateau Bay.
Further details will be posted once advised.
(10/07/2025)
If you are a member of NSWFB recruit firefighter Class of 19th July 1985 (ie service number 6333 – 6383), then you are invited to relive past memories at the location that we first had a drink together 40 years ago.
Venue: The Glenroy Hotel, Address: Botany Rd Alexandria, Date: Saturday 19th July,
Time: 1300 hours onwards, Dinner: 1900 hours (for those still standing).
Please contact Paul Johnstone: 0419 478 952 or Paul.johnstone@fire.nsw.gov.au
or just turn up to the Glenroy Cheers, Johno
(10/07/2025)
Send Off for: 6925 Mark Ley, Wednesday, 6th August 2025 @7pm
Springwood Sports Club RSVP 30th July 2025
Flyer
(09/07/2025)
Update:
Assistant Commissioner David Lewis AFSM will March Out from City of Sydney, followed by a Farewell Function at Rydges World Square on Thursday 24th July, details attached. Please send through rsvp’s & transfer payment by
Friday 18th July. If you have already
rsvp’d, please make sure to transfer your payment. Regards, Kerri
Send Off and March Out for: Assistant Commissioner Dave Lewis A/C
AFSM.
March Out- 24th July 2025
2pm City of Sydney Fire Station 219 Castlereagh Street
Sydney. Function:- 24th July 2025 5pm Flyer
(09/07/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired SF Garry (Gazza) HAYNES (4462) on Saturday 28th June 2025 formerly of Region West Office.
Garry passed away peacefully in Hornsby Hospital aged 78 years. Loved and loving father of Glenn, Leanne and respected father-in-law of Christine.
Treasured grandfather of Jasmine, Charlie and Emily. Garry joined NSW Fire Brigades 5th February 1971 and served for 25 years.
Garry served at 28 Marrickville, Stanmore, 30 Lidcombe, 16 Concord, 74 Toongabbie and Sydney Communications Centre.
A private Memorial Service will be held for Garry at the request of his family.
(04/07/2025)
Received from Paul Cullen:- Hey everyone, Annual Xmas in July
fast approaching, Thursday, 24th July
2025 at Helm Bar Darling Harbour from 11.
The Feros Group now run it & free rewards discount card/app is
available on line. Get on & do ya best to make it, special
farewell/send off/retirement drink for Mitch Telford. Cheers, Cullo.
(04/07/2025)
Send Off for: 7310 Scott Downing Thursday, 7th August
2025 Woonona Bowling Club - 5 Greta St, Woonona. Flyer
(04/07/2025)
Updated: The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Deputy Commissioner
Ross FREEMAN AFSM (1889) formerly of NSW Fire Brigades. Ross passed away 28th June 2025 on his 90th Birthday.
Retired Deputy Commissioner Ross Freeman AFSM joined the New South Wales Fire Brigades in 1955 and served for 41 years.
After serving in all ranks and carrying out many special projects, he was appointed to the position of Executive Officer, Fire Services.
Mr Freeman became Acting Chief Officer, a position he was holding at the time of his appointment to Deputy Commissioner, NSW Fire Brigades 18th July 1994. Ross was the father of retired Station Officer Ross Freeman (Jnr)
Funeral
(01/07/2025)
A message from Perry Campbell: Just a short note to say thank you to all you hard working wonderful Committee Members of our NSWFB Retirees Association.
I being a retired Firey, as you know, really appreciate the informative updates/happenings that you continuously provide by way of our web site & I also, like a number of other ex-Fireys, check for news nearly every day.
I must say that anytime I have contacted any Committee Member I have always received excellent assistance/advice.
A couple of recent instances where you people have made a huge difference to Family & Friends of
'passing' Retired Firefighters in my area, for which I sincerely especially thank you for. They are being Robert
'Bobby' Treseder, (late of Narromine Brigade) & Patrick 'Paddy' Hearne, (late of Trangie Brigade). Both gentlemen being not only colleagues of mine but also dear friends of some 35 years. RIP Gents.
Also RIP one of the NSWFB real Gentlemen in Ross Freeman, with his recent passing.
Please keep up the great work, & BTW, I can personally vouch for the sincerity & dedication of many of the current Committee Members, due to in my 33 plus years of service, I
worked alongside or contiguously with, some 17 or 18 of you lovely people !
Thanks again. Kind regards, Perry Campbell 4479. (The Princess)
(29/06/2025)
The Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Deputy Chief Officer
Ross FREEMAN AFSM (1889) on Saturday 28th June, 2025. Funeral details will be made available when received.
(29/06/2025)
The Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of Mrs Margaret
THOMAS, wife of Retired Assistant Commissioner Frank Thomas, who passed away on
Tuesday, 24th June 2025. Funeral
(26/06/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of John Allen PEAKE (29430) on Sunday, 22nd June 2025 formerly from the Communication and IT Sections.
John passed away peacefully in hospital after a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.
John joined NSW Fire Brigades 10th October 1968 and served for 29 years.
John was instrumental in setting up the communication systems in City of Sydney Fire Station. John worked in the Communications Section at Greenacre and finished his career working in the IT Section.
A private funeral will be held for John at the request of his family.
A celebration of John’s life will be held in the near future.
(25/06/2025)
We have received information that Des BOLAND (1672) is currently a patient in Lady Davidson Private Hospital and would appreciate a phone call on 02 9488 1320 after 13:00 hours.
(23/06/2025)
Send Off for:
6219 Station Officer David Watson
Friday, 18th July 2025
Flyer
Reminder:
Would it be possible to get a reminder on the Retired Firefighters webpage for Dave’s send-off that’s coming up next month on the July 18th? Can you make a note that I’m happy to take payments up until
Friday July 4th. This will give me sufficient time to notify the venue of final numbers.
Regards, 9414 SF Matt Rogers 78 Ropes Crossing
B Platoon.
(20/06/2025)
The Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Retained FirefighterRonald ‘Ron’ HAMBLY (270006)
formerly of #270Station Cowra on Thursday 19th June, 2025.
Ron joined NSW Fire Brigades on 15 July 1977 and served for 44 years.
Ron served at Cowra Fire Station and was appointed to Engine Keeper
in November 1993. Funeral
(17/06/2025)
Update: Funeral
live streaming info for Paddy Hearne:
The Retirees Association has been made aware of the passing of the wife of the late retired Chief Officer Stan HEARN
AFSM, Ms Jill Anne HEARN on Saturday, 31st May 2025. The family of Jill wishes to extend an invitation to those who knew and loved her to a funeral service on Friday, the 20th
June 2025 at 10:30 am, Gregson & Weight Chapel, 159 Wises Road, BUDERIM QLD 4556.
For those who cannot attend the service in person, live streaming and messages to the family will be available here:
Jill
Anne Hearn - Online Tribute
(14/06/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Senior Firefighter
Peter BOCK (5482) formerly of 434 Station Hamlyn Terrace, on Monday 9th June 2025.
Peter joined NSW Fire Brigades on 15th September 1978 and served for over 37 years.
Funeral
(11/06/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Station Officer
Matthew MURRAY (7859), on Friday, 6th June 2025. Mat joined NSW Fire Brigades on 4th December 1998 and served for over 26 years and combined with his previous service with Strathclyde Fire Brigade (Scotland) in June 1978 and ACT Fire Brigade in December 1991 served the community for over 36 years.
Funeral details will be updated in FR360 once advised.
(05/06/2025)
Updated:
The Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Captain
Patrick James 'Paddy' HEARNE (465001), formerly of #465 Station Trangie, on 2nd
June 2025. Paddy joined the NSWFB in 1971 and retired on 01/03/2001.
Funeral
(22/05/2025)
Send Off for: 6885 James "Shako" Shackleton Saturday, 30th August 2025 at 6pm.
Gymea Bowls
691-699 Kingsway Gymea Flyer
(25/03/2025)
The next E District Reunion is on Friday, 26th September 2025 at The Redfern Hotel Cnr Redfern and George Sts Redfern Midday onwards. Everyone welcome, not exclusive to E District members. Come along for a few drinks and catch up with old mates. Meals can be ordered at the bar.
Contact Paul Demi Roussis on 0434813131 for more details.
Permanent Messages
28/02/2025)
Invitation to Retired Firefighters and those contemplating Retirement Region North
3 – New England & NW Command.
Details
(28/02/2025)
Invitation to Retired Firefighters and those contemplating Retirement Region North 2 – Northern Rivers.
Details
(05/03/2024)
From National Emergency Worker Support Service | Black Dog Institute:
Good afternoon NSWFB Retirees Secretary, I am an Implementation Practice Manager at Black Dog Institute, working on the National Emergency Worker Support Service
(NEWSS). NEWSS is a free, confidential mental health support for emergency service workers – both active and retired.
Details
(08/09/2023)
Workplace illness Claims including cancer - update from Darin Sullivan:
Retirees are still advised to contact FRNSW Health and Safety
Branch, as well as an experienced Solicitor, to ensure they receive support and guidance for workplace illness claims, including cancer related illnesses.
Masselos and Co are still the FBEU preferred/suggested solicitors as the most experienced in these matters. Contacting the FBEU directly may still be of some benefit if having trouble navigating these difficult issues.
- Darin Sullivan, Former FBEU President.
(11/08/2023
INTRODUCTION – FIRE NEWS EDITOR
The NSWFB Retirees’ Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of current serving FRNSW Inspector, Kernin Lambert as Fire News Editor. This position on our website has been vacant for some time.
Kernin has been a Member of the NSWFB / FRNSW for twenty-seven years and is currently a Deputy Commander at Metropolitan West 1, C Platoon, Western Sydney.
Since joining the fire service Kernin has always had a strong desire to contribute to the improvement of operations by studying and learning from operational incidents of an unusual, complex or significant nature. His knowledge, coupled with an enormous insight into all aspects of Fire Service operations Statewide, enables him to produce comprehensive operational submissions.
Kernin sent his first article to Fire News in 1997 and in 2000 the Commissioner generously allowed him to write an insert in Fire News known as Fire Operations Journal. Over the years this publication has come and gone a number of times due to changes in editorial direction. However, he never stopped believing in the importance of learning and sharing from operational incidents.
Kernin’s aims have always been to improve fire fighter safety and the effectiveness of operations. This is particularly important as the materials involved in building construction are constantly changing. Some important examples include insulated sandwich paneling, combustible external cladding, tilt slab buildings and now we are seeing a wave of fires due to lithium-ion batteries, not to mention the always present dangers of bush fires.
Congratulations Kernin on this very important appointment of Fire News Editor. We are looking forward very much to reading, viewing and enjoying your Fire News reports, the first of which is already on our website – Port Kembla Ethanol Storage Tank fire.
Regards,
Bill Powell AFSM President
(10/08/2023)
Updated:
Further
EAP provider information for retired members
The Association has received from FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support
Officer, retired Superintendent Chris Jurgeit, the following new document recently published by FRNSW about
Transitioning into
Retirement. It contains great information both for staff contemplating retirement/separation and for those who have already made the move.
Chris states - Two important points will be added at the next review of the document, however they are pertinent now ie
- Page 10 (Section 4) - Under EAP that the service is now also available to staff who have left FRNSW (up to 5 years post leaving)
- so they can continue to get support for their transition out of FRNSW after they have officially left
- Page 16 - All staff have access to 6 free sessions with a financial counsellor per year (through EAP
"Money Assist" program) - this could be useful for those planning to transition away from
FRNSW.
Various sections of this document are both applicable and helpful to current retired firefighters. For example, Section 4 - Well Being, Section 6 - Volunteering, Section 7 - Know Your Finances and Page 21 - Check List.
For information or questions, please contact the FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support Duty Officer 0477 342
750.
Bill Powell AFSM President NSWFB Retirees Association
(02/03/2023)
FORMATION OF NSW FIRE AND RESCUE CEREMONIAL TEAM:
Senior Fire Fighter George Lloyd, under the guidance of Superintendent Peter
Stathis, (now retired), and Superintendent Greg Houston have assembled a
NSW Fire & Rescue Ceremonial Team. This team currently comprises
twenty four Members who volunteer their time to represent FRNSW at funerals, as well as Anzac Day and Graduation ceremonies.
Protocol procedures play out an important role in the Brigade’s future. Over the past two years the Ceremonial Team has attended a number of funerals for both retired and currently serving Members.
Please find attached a short video of the Ceremonial Team at the funeral of Bruce Johnson.
If any NSW retired fire fighters or their family would like to have the Ceremonial Team participate in a service, please contact the President, Bill Powell at
bill.p133@live.com
(1/12/2022)
Updated email address:
Need someone to talk to? The Retiree’s Peer Support Team is a group of retired firefighters, who are there to support other firefighters when personal difficulties arise in their life.
Right now, many people are experiencing further challenges caused by draught, bushfire crisis and now a worldwide pandemic.
The members of retiree’s peer support are not counselors, but someone to talk to and if appropriate, guide you to professional help.
All conversations are treated with confidentiality. Contact Information:
Email: retiredpeersfrnsw@gmail.com
Website: www.retiredfirefightersupport.com.au
Duty Officer: 0477 342 750
(04/06/2020)
Online Condolence Book:
With the recent sad passing of firefighters within our FRNSW family,
it is fitting to honour them and reflect on their service by
creating a personalised online condolence book.
Details
(09/03/2019)
From: Darin Sullivan:
Hi all, If you have had a cancer that may be related to firefighting but think it may be outside the current legislation that we got through parliament, please contact me for more information. Feel free to pass this and my email address on to others this may also assist.
Regards, Sully darinsullivan1@gmail.com
(12/10/2017)
Another report on the problem with old type Foam.
(16/08/17)
Latest PFAS information
supplied by Chief Superintendent Dave Felton AFSM.
1.
Information Sheet - PFAS Questions & Answers
2.
Information Sheet Firefighting Foam and PFAS
3.
Timeline - FRNSW Historical Use of PFAS Containing Firefighting Foam
(11/01/16)
Letter From Roger Bucholtz Re: Defined Benefit Income. Letter
(14/03/12)
The FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. These
medals are not automatically issued to existing retirees. If you
qualify you must submit a Request To Be Recognised For Long
Service And Good Conduct Award form. Form
Dates Items Last Updated
Commissioner
Corner 25/03/2017
*** Funeral
Notices 31/07/2025 ***
*** Commissioner's
Orders 31/07/2025 ***
Photo Gallery
11/12/2024
Regional
Retiree Reunions 03/10/2024
Retirement
Functions 10/07/2025
Social Events
10/07/2025