Jo-Ann Miller
Firefighters across Queensland paused on Saturday to remember their fallen colleagues as part of Firefighters’ National Day of Remembrance.
Sadly, the last two firefighters to die while on duty were both from the South Burnett.
In February 2012, South Nanango Rural Fire Brigade officer Brendon Goldsmith collapsed and died while doing a community presentation on fire safety at the Nanango Cultural Centre.
And in 2010, an officer at Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade, Kortney Watts, died after collapsing at a hazard reduction burn.
Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller attended the Brisbane Region Commemorative Service at St Brigid’s Church in Red Hill and paid tribute to the 50 Queensland firefighters who had lost their lives in the line of duty since 1877.
“The tenth day of the tenth month is the National Day of Remembrance for fallen firefighters. It’s a chance for all Queenslanders to acknowledge the supreme sacrifice they have made while protecting our community,” Ms Miller said.
“Days like today are a sobering reminder of the danger faced by all career and volunteer firefighters. Without a doubt, their courage makes Queensland a safer place and we should never forget that.
“Firefighters begin every shift not knowing what lies ahead. Despite this uncertainty, they continually put themselves in harm’s way to carry out their duties – often without recognition.”
