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!
(06/12/2023)
Latest
Commissioner's Orders
2023/24
received.
(04/12/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Station Officer
Frederick Bruce FITZGERALD (5066)
on 23rd November 2023, aged 77 years. Fred joined NSW Fire Brigades on 09th August 1974 and served until his retirement on 21st March 1997.
Fred served at 01 City of Sydney, 27 Parramatta, 55 Guildford, 15 Burwood, 59 Eastwood,
05 Newtown, 37 Gordon, 260 Newcastle, 251 Cardiff and finished of his career at Newcastle Communication
Centre.
Funeral details will be distributed when available.
(04/12/2023)
Message from Bill Powell to Chiara Mammone, Events and Awards Coordinator, Media, Communication and Engagement, Fire and Rescue NSW.
On behalf of the NSWFB Retirees’ Association Executive, I would like to thank FRNSW and yourself for the invitation to attend the Commissioner’s Commencement and Recruit Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 1st December.
Appreciation is extended especially to you for the excellent communications and assistance given to our attending Executive Members, Vice President Chris Jurgeit AFSM, Secretary Ray Kelly and myself.
This ceremonial occasion was very impressive, reflecting the FRNSW’s long traditional history with pride and honour in a most professional way.
Credit and appreciation must go to all those involved in the organising and presentation. It was a privilege to attend.
Would it be possible to have a copy of the video proceedings so that it can be posted on the NSWFB Retirees’ website for viewing by our Members?
I feel our retirees would be very interested in viewing and listening to the magnificent addresses delivered by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, the Honourable Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services and FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell
AFSM. The contents of the addresses given regarding the history, current, status and future of the fire service would be of great benefit, both information and moral wise, to former Members. Also, it would be of particular interest for them to be able to view the magnificent new FRNSW Emergency Services Academy.
Thanking you, Kind regards President - Bill Powell AFSM Vice President - Chris Jurgeit AFSM
Secretary - Ray Kelly. The event was live streamed online and you can view it here:
Commissioner’s Commencement and Recruit Graduation Ceremony - 1 December 2023
(30/11/2023)
The Committee is pleased to inform you that the newly appointed NSW Fire Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM has accepted our invitation to be the
Patron of the NSWFB Retirees Association.
(30/11/2023)
Hi Everyone, Next Monday, 4th December, is the date for our next
breakfast meeting at Wamberal Surf Club, Dover Road, Wamberal, at 9.30 am.
All firefighters and retired firefighters are welcome. Come along and renew old and new acquaintances.
I am unsure if I will be able to make it, but hope to be there. Cheers
Mick
(29/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Station Officer
Robert TAIT (4053), on Friday 24th November 2023. Bob
joined NSW Fire Brigades on 3/08/1968 and retired on 13/10/1995. Bob
was the NSW Fire Brigades Retirees Branch Co-ordinator for Newcastle
for many years and will be sadly missed.
Funeral
(27/11/2023)
Photos of
Parramatta Fire Stations BBQ
held on 18th November 2023 added to
Photo Gallery
(23/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Inspector
Richard Barry (Darby) MUNRO (1583) on 17th November 2023. Barry
joined the NSWFB on 09/04/1954 and retired on 07/01/1993. Barry served at 01 City of Sydney, 27 Parramatta, 19 Silverwater, 55 Guildford and 57 Wentworthville.
Barry finished his career as an Inspector in metropolitan Zone 3.
Funeral
(23/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Captain Vincent WIEGOLD AFSM (340001), passed away in palliative care on Saturday 18th November 2023.
Vince joined NSW Fire Brigades on 15 September 1980 and retired on 15 February 2009. Vince was stationed at Ettalong Fire Station and last served at 340 Umina.
Vince was the first retained member of 340 Umina and was awarded an AFSM in 2003.
Funeral
(20/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Captain Ivan
BURKILL (283001). Ivan passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer.
Ivan joined NSW Fire Brigades on 1st March 1983 and retired on 14th November 2014, serving for 31 years.
Ivan was the captain at 283 Denman Fire Station until he retired. Currently serving Captain Amon Burkill from 283 Denman is the son of the late Retired Captain Ivan
Burkill.
Funeral
(16/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Captain Norman James DENT (421019), formerly of Picton Fire Station, on Saturday 11th November 2023.
Norman joined NSW Fire Brigades on 15 September 1965 and served as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer, Ambulance Officer, Wollondilly Bush Fire Brigade and Fire and Rescue NSW until his retirement on 10 January 2014.
Norman retired as Captain 421 Picton. Norman was awarded The National Medal, National Medal First Clasp, National Medal Second Clasp, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal First Clasp, National Medal Third Clasp, Long Service & Good Conduct Second Clasp.
Funeral
(15/11/2023)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Retired Senior Firefighter
Robert “Bob” KINSELA (6290), formerly of Bushfire/Natural Hazards Section, on Sunday 12th November 2023.
Bob joined NSW Fire Brigades on 10 May 1985 and served at Parramatta, Toongabbie, Blacktown, St Marys, Dunheved, Regional West Office, Bushfire Training, Senior Instructor Bushfire/Natural Hazards Section, and Bushfire & Natural Hazards Officer until his retirement on 6 July 2006.
Bob was awarded The National Medal, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal First Clasp, Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service – Aftermath of the Asian Tsunami.
Funeral details will be distributed when available.
(09/11/2023)
We have been advised that Terry Joyce is in Northern Beaches
Hospital. Terry is allowed visitors and can be contacted on 0414 696 029.
(04/11/2023)
An excellent report on the 2002
Rockdale Petrol Tanker Fire added to
Fire News Articles.
(04/11/2023)
Does anybody know of the whereabouts of the following former
NSWFB/FRNSW employees:
Julie Barwick, Boggabri
Melanie Connell, Penrith
Janelle Crawley, Merewether
Michelle Hatton, Region South?
If you do, please contact Ray Kelly on 0458 687 765
(15/10/2023)
Firies Xmas Get Together - Friday 15th December 2023
4pm Onwards. Cronulla RSL Sun Room. All Welcome Just Turn Up!
Contact Gavin Thompson Ph 0411 546 666 if you arrive at the club and need to be signed in.
Permanent Messages
(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
(27/10/2018)
Presumptive Legislation for Firefighter Cancers:-
information
from Chief Super Mick Ryan
(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
(12/11/16)
Email from Garry Malpass. To come straight to the point. I was hoping I could get a message across
to the members who retired medically unfit regarding rehab providers and insurance
companies. The background is, that once you go out on workers comp the insurers will send you to a rehab provider so
they can return you to work in suitable employment with a new employer. Under the workcover act you have the right to choose your own rehab
provider. Therefore the crunch of the matter is, I can put them in contact with a
really good rehab provider if they wish. So if any members are interested they can email me and I will give them the details.
Thanks Garry Malpass. gmalpass@tpg.com.au
(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 04/12/2023
***
*** Commissioner's
Orders 24/12/2023
***
*** Photo Gallery
27/11/2023
***
Regional
Retiree Reunions 14/09/2023
Retirement
Functions 26/10/2023
*** Social Events
30/11/2023
***
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