Events

‍Armstrong was a farmer and a member of the Baldivis Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. He suffered a heart attack and died while fighting a bushfire in Baldivis.

Baldock was a farmer and a member of the Sunnyside Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He died when he was crushed by a burnt-out tree while damping down a fire at Yornup.

Barrett-Lennard was a cattle farmer near Gingin and a member of the Beermullah Bushfire Brigade. He was part of a crew burning verges near Gingin when smoke obscured visibility on Brand Highway. He was hit by a 27m road train and died instantly.

Bearfoot joined the Department of Conservation and Land Management in 2003. She was fighting the Black Cat Creek fire at Two Peoples Bay when a wind change brought the fire towards her truck. Forced to flee to another truck, she suffered serious burns and later died of her injuries.

After migrating to WA in 1950, Polish-born Bielianczuk worked for the Forestry Department. He was sharpening axes and saws at a campfire during a Shannon River burn-off when his clothes caught fire and he died from his burns.

Dutch-born Brooks migrated to WA in 1952. He joined the fire service in 1976, as dux of Trainee School 17. In recognition of a 37-year career, Brooks received an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in 2007. He also represented Australia at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in water polo.

Brown was a schoolteacher and volunteer firefighter in the Kimberley before joining the fire service. He joined the Kalgoorlie Fire Station in 1999.

Station officer at Osborne Park Fire Station for 32 years. He was awarded the National Medal in 1982 and 1990.

Claffey worked as a clerk before he joined the fire service in 1987. His 25-year career culminated in his appointment as a Senior Firefighter at Daglish Fire Station.

Cleveland was a seasonal worker with the Forestry Department and a farmer near Shannon River. He became trapped by flames during a prescribed burn at Burnside Block, 10km east of Shannon River, and died from suffocation and extensive burns.

Coll was born in Scotland and migrated to WA with his wife in about 1920. He joined the fire service and became a member of the Fire Brigade Employees Union and The Institution of Fire Engineers.

Corbey was a police officer before joining the fire service in 2001.

Cowper followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the fire service in 1977. He was a Senior Firefighter at the Fremantle Fire Station when he retired after 35 years of service.

Curnow was a farmer and member of the Scadden Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. Two of his children were also volunteer firefighters. “Freddy” risked his life to save others during the 2015 Cascade Scaddan fire. He had been warning people to flee the area but became trapped himself.

Born in England, Davey migrated to WA in 1970. He joined the fire service in 1981 and completed 25 years of service. He was acting Area Manager Pilbara when he died from injuries received during off-road vehicle training.

English-born Dearle was a carpenter and wagon builder with WA Government Railways before joining the fire service, initially as a volunteer and then a career firefighter from 1910. He worked at the North Fremantle and East Fremantle fire stations.

Ding worked in mining in Kambalda before joining the fire service in 1983. He served in Geraldton, Albany and Perth fire stations before becoming a Station Officer at Hope Valley.

Diprose was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two. He was a grazier/farmer in Wellstead and a member of the Gnowellen Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade with more than 50 years’ experience. He died after suffering burns to 80 per cent of his body while fighting a fire near Albany.

Dixon joined the fire service in 1973 and was stationed at Kalgoorlie. He had previously been a foundation member of the Esperance Volunteer Fire & Rescue Brigade. He died from electrocution during station training.

Houssemayne du Boulay was a station hand before becoming a firefighter with the Fremantle Fire Brigade. The fire engine he was driving during a 1956 Bibra Lake fire was involved in a collision and he died from his injuries.

Ennor, known as Nifty, was an apprentice painter when he joined the Wundowie Fire Brigade as a 16-year-old volunteer. He died participating in a speed-reel training event in Toodyay.

Farmer Eyden was a private in the Australian Army during World War Two. He was operating a water pump atop a truck during a burn-off in Highbury when a freak wind tossed the truck. Eyden died from the injuries and burns he received.

Italian-born Falcone worked for the Forestry Department after migrating to WA. He died from a haemorrhage and pulmonary oedema provoked by a combination of asthma and smoke inhalation during a burn-off in Manjimup.

Fenwick joined the Kalgan Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in 1986. In a 30-year career, he was also the City of Albany’s Chief Bushfire Control Officer for six years and president of the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades of WA. He suffered a stroke while fighting a bushfire at Two Peoples Bay. He was honoured with a posthumous Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council Memorial Medallion.

Fry worked for WA Government Railways and was a volunteer with the Kalamunda Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He died from injuries he received in a vehicle accident involving a fire tender in which he was a passenger.

Born in England, Giacomelli migrated to WA in 1969. He was a cobbler, key cutter and volunteer firefighter. He was one of four firefighters killed while trying to slow traffic near a smoky burn-off in Kelmscott.

Joined the fire service in 2003.

Hartley joined the fire service in 1981, with his first deployment at the Perth Fire Station. In a 37-year career, he also worked at the Welshpool and Belmont fire stations. He received the National Medal in 1998.

Victorian-born Hillier moved to Perth around 1899 and joined the fire service. He controlled the Fremantle and Kalgoorlie fire stations before becoming Deputy Chief Officer at Central Perth Station.

Hoffman was a labourer and member of the Wundowie Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He died from head injuries received when he was struck by a car in thick smoke while fighting a fire near Chidlow.

Fremantle-born Hotchkin rose through the ranks of the fire service to become a First Class Fireman. His son Victor followed in his footsteps and also joined the service.

Hughan worked for Millars WA. He died in a bushfire at Quinninup during Cyclone Alby when a tree fell on the cab of the bulldozer he was operating to cut firebreaks.

Hughes joined the fire service in 1928 but left to join the Australian Air Force during World War II. He returned to the service at the end of war and became a Fire Station Master.

Hunter was a station officer at the North Perth Fire Station, where he died from coronary thrombosis. He had served the WA Fire Brigade for more than two decades.

German-born bricklayer Jaschke migrated to WA in 1952. He had worked for the Forestry Department for several years when he became trapped by flames during a prescribed burn at Burnside Block, 10km east of Shannon River, and died from suffocation and extensive burns.

Johnston worked for the Forestry Department, stationed at Willow Springs. He was working on a fire at Easter Block, south of Nannup, when he became trapped as the fire jumped a 100m firebreak.

Lake was a clearance diver with the Royal Australian Navy and a member of the SAS before he joined the fire service in 1988. In a 32-year career, he worked in Perth and Albany and completed a one-year work exchange to British Colombia in Canada.

In a career that spanned 43 years, Lamborne served as a volunteer and career firefighter in Victoria and New South Wales before moving to WA in 1922 to become Chief of the Perth Brigade.

Lees worked at Swan Portland Cement and was senior firefighter and treasurer of the Jandakot Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He died in an accident during vehicle training near Yanchep. One of the Jandakot Light Tankers has been named “Jimmy Lees” in his honour.

English-born Leyland migrated to WA in 1955 and had joined the fire service by 1968, where he rose to become District Officer.

Liddington followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the fire service. He became a Senior Firefighter at Mandurah and had a passion for Urban Search & Rescue.

English-born joiner Lingard migrated to Perth in 1911. He worked at the Whittaker Bros timber yards in Subiaco before joining the fire service. He died from the head injuries he received in a fall at the Claremont Fire Station.

MacKean was a schoolteacher and a ruckman with the Perth Football Club before he joined the fire service in 1980. He was the longest continuing serving firefighter at the Perth Stations with 39 years of service.

Madaschi joined the fire service around 1985 and became Station Officer at Malaga Fire Station. He died from head injuries he received from a fall at the station.

Maldon joined the fire service in 1990, starting his career in Perth before moving to Bunbury. In late 2004, he was posted to the Kimberley where he held several roles.

English-born veterinary surgeon Maller migrated to WA in 1894. He was captain with the North Perth Fire Brigade. He was attending a building fire when he was injured in a wall collapse and died in hospital.

Marshall was a farmer in Hyden, a shire councillor in Ravensthorpe and a member of the Rockingham Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. He died in a tractor accident while transporting water to a bushfire near Oldfield River.

McBride was a real estate agent and a member, captain and former secretary of the South Yunderup/Ravenswood Fire Station. He had been working to secure the wind-damaged roof of the station when he fell four metres and died. A fireboat at the station was named “Macca” in his honour.

McCorkill worked for the Forestry Department, stationed at Willow Springs. He was working on a fire at Easter Block, south of Nannup, when he became trapped as the fire jumped a 100m firebreak.

McCulloch joined the fire service in 2003. In 2000, she received a Premier’s Australia Day Citizenship Award.

McDonald first joined the fire service in Narrogin before moving to Geraldton and becoming District Manager of Midwest Gascoyne South. He later travelled to fight Californian wildfires.

Victorian-born McLaren was a volunteer firefighter who was helping fight a bushfire at Kenderup during extreme weather caused by Cyclone Alby when she was killed by a falling pine tree.

Born in New South Wales, McLean was an airline pilot who served in the armed forces and a member of the Kalamunda Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Miller joined the fire service in 1957 and was promoted to Station Officer, District Officer and finally Officer in Charge of the section responsible for breathing apparatus.

Montgomery was a plumber who played AFL for Carlton in the 1980s. After retiring from football, he joined the fire service in 1987.

Morcombe became a Senior Firefighter at the Albany Fire Station and the Albany Regional Office.

Born in Queensland, Muphy was a trooper with the Special Air Service (SAS) and a Vietnam War veteran. While working at the Fremantle Fire Station, his light tanker was involved in a collision on its way to an incident and he died from his injuries.

Nicolay joined the fire service in 1988 and was a Senior Fire Fighter at the Kensington Fire Station.

O’Callaghan was a shoemaker before joining the fire service in 1966. He was awarded the National Medal by the Governor-General in 1989 for his sustained service over many years.

Oliver joined the fire service in 2004.

Parker was a career firefighter in NSW and South Australia before moving to WA in 2011 and working as a Senior Building Fire Safety Officer in the South West and Lower South West regions.

Parkin joined the fire service in 1982. In 2019, he was awarded a bravery citation for his involvement in the rescue of a 17-year-old student caught on rocks during a rising tide in Champion Bay. His 34-year career culminated in his appointment as Station Officer in Geraldton.

Gary worked as an engine reconditioner before joining the fire service in 1970.

Perks served in World War Two. He was a farmer, civic leader and volunteer firefighter. He was fighting a fire in Greenbushes when he tried to cut down a blazing tree. A branch fell on him and he died from his injuries.

South Australian-born Pfennig was a soldier, a ranger, a pound keeper and a fire liaison officer. In 1989, he was awarded the National Medal from the Governor-General for his sustained service. He died from injuries received in truck accident while fighting a fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park.

English-born Pound migrated to WA 1913. He was an orchardist and grazier around Araluen and a volunteer firefighter. He was fighting a fire near Canning River when he suffered a heart attack.

English-born Rate worked for the Forestry Department after migrating to WA. He was struck by a Karri limb falling from a tree in the aftermath of a fire at Woolbate Hills near Walpole. John Rate Lookout, which is 5km west of Walpole, was named in his honour.

Reed joined the fire service in 1993 and worked at Canning Vale and Perth before becoming a Senior Fire Fighter at the Success Fire Station.

Robinson joined the Serpentine Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade when he was 15, coming from a family of firefighters. He died when his vehicle was trapped in the flames of a fast-moving bushfire. He was 22. The Paul Robinson Park in Serpentine was named in his honour.

English-born brickmaker Rogers migrated to WA with his wife and two sons.

Rogers was a plant mechanic in the mining industry, a field service mechanic for a tractor dealership and a training officer for the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He joined the career fire service in 2018 and was posted to Kiara.

Ronan was a stockman and a member of the Bakers Hill Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. He died fighting a bushfire in November, 1995.

Victorian-born panel beater Rose joined the fire service between 1977 and 1980.

Rose joined the fire service in 1961, one of the last 10 recruits to undertake their training at the North Perth Training Centre.  Laurie served at the Murray Street Perth and Belmont fire stations.

Sandy was a member and captain of the Ocean Farm Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. He was fighting a scrub fire near Lancelin when he was involved in a road accident caused by thick smoke. He died from his injuries.

Scolari was born in Italy and became a Noggerup farmer and a member of the Mumballup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Sefton was a Kalgoorlie bootmaker before joining the fire service around 1925. By 1930, he was president of Fire Brigades Employees Union. He died in his WA Fire Brigade Quarters in Irwin Street, Perth.

Smith was a carpenter with the WA Government Railways in Midland before joining the fire service in 1962. His sons Neil and Greg followed in his footsteps and also joined the service.

Smith worked for the Country Fire Service in South Australia before joining WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services in 2009. He filled several roles, including District Manager South Coast, District Office Bushfire Risk Management and District Office Doctrine – Rural.

Joined the fire service in 1990 and served in two volunteer brigades over 28 years. He joined Wagin VFRS in 1997 and served with them for 21 years in a variety of roles – Captain, Lieutenant and Foreman.

Smith served as a Corporal in the Australian Military Forces during World War Two and was a police officer stationed in various WA towns. In retirement, he was a farmer in Mt Barker.

Sobcyk was a member and secretary of the Mundaring Joint Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Brigade/Bush Fire Service Brigade.

Sprigg was a farmhand and a member of the Wainering Volunteer Bushfire Brigade for over 30 years.

Stead worked as a Hale School boarding house duty master, a youth patron at Nulsen Disability Services (NDS) and a volunteer firefighter with the Coomalbidgup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. He died fighting an uncontrolled fire on a farming property. Local coffee producer Five Senses created the “Steady On” blend in Stead’s honour, with all profits going to NDS.

Stokes was captain of the Bunbury Volunteer Fire Brigade when a career fire station was established in the town and he was appointed Superintendent. He never fully recovered from a stroke he suffered in an electrical accident at the station.

NSW-born Thomson moved to WA around 1946 and was a member of the 2nd AIF during World War before joining the fire service and rising to the rank of Superintendent.

Tierney was a local government gardener before joining the fire service in 1919. He died after falling from a fire-truck footboard while preparing equipment.

Uphill enlisted in the Australian Defence Force in 2001, rising to the rank of Captain and being deployed to East Timor in 2003 and Iraq in 2008.  He was awarded a Chief of Defence Force Commendation Badge and a US Army Commendation Medal.  He joined the fire service in 2011.

Born in England, Wake migrated to WA in 1967. He joined the Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service where he served for 27 years and became a life member. He died from a heart attack while fighting a fire in the Kwinana industrial area.

Watson joined the fire service in 1999 and his 18-year career culminated in his appointment as Station Officer at the Perth Fire Station.

Born in Victoria, White was a storeman in Fremantle when he became a foundation member and captain of the East Fremantle Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was electrocuted while responding to a house fire and died shortly afterwards.

Crute was a private in the 10th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps during World War Two, a farmer near East Wickepin and a firefighting volunteer. He died after a car accident in thick smoke during a burn-off near Wickepin.

Scottish-born Wilkie was a professional soccer player with the Hearts, Liverpool and Portsmouth clubs. He migrated to WA and joined the fire service, first in Perth and then in Albany. There is a memorial in Wilkie’s honour at the Albany Fire Station.

Wilson worked as a pastry cook before he joined the fire service in 1970.

Wiltshire-Butler was a trainee at the Tobacco Training Centre in Manjimup and a RAAF officer before working for the Forestry Department, stationed at Willow Springs. He was working on a fire at Easter Block, south of Nannup, when he became trapped as the fire jumped a 100m firebreak. The Wiltshire Butler National Park in Nannup is named in his honour.

“Razor” Winfield became a volunteer firefighter in his teens and joined the Yalgoo Bushfire Brigade in 1992. He died fighting a fire at Mt Gibson Sanctuary. The local shire council held a minute’s silence in his memory.