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This Site Was Last Updated On 28th March 2024

 
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!


(28/03/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of Retired Firefighter Desmond IGGLEDEN (4412), formerly of Wollongong Communications, on 27th March 2024. Desmond joined the NSW Fire Brigades on 20th November 1970 
and served for over 32 years until his retirement on 8th March 2003. Desmond served at Kogarah, Marrickville, Pyrmont and Wollongong Fire Stations and Wollongong Communications.  Funeral The service will be live-streamed via the Hanson and Cole website: https://www.hansenandcolefunerals.com.au 

(27/03/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired on call firefighter Robert (Bob) MANNING (253008), 
formerly of 253 Casino Fire Station. Bob sadly passed away on 20th March 2024 after a short illness. Bob joined on 1/10/1975 serving for 30 years until his retirement on 1/12/2005. Bob was awarded the 2nd Clasp LSGC medal in 2006. 
He was also a keen member of the 253 Stn Firefighter Championship team for many years. Funeral

(27/03/2024)
Latest
Commissioner's Orders 2024/06 received.

(22/03/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of Retired Retained Firefighter Dean BUTCHER (460039), formerly of The Entrance Fire Station, on 20th March 2024. Dean joined the NSW Fire Brigades on 15th January 1996 and served for over 16 years until his retirement on 20th July 2012. Dean served at The Entrance Fire Station and was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the National Medal. Funeral details will be distributed when available. Funeral

(18/03/2024)
Invitation from Bernie Walsh - 58 Station: I'm writing to invite all retirees to a social event, St Florian's Day, Long Luncheon Saturday, 4th May 2024. It's an event organised by Firies for Past, Present and Emerging Firies. We'd love to see as many retired legends as possible in attendance for a catch up .  I'm wondering if you could post the attached Flyer on your website. Any questions, drop me a line or call me at 58 D Platoon. Cheers, Bernie Walsh 58 Station. bernard_walsh7699@yahoo.com.au 

(15/03/2024)
Official Invitation:  Wellbeing Australia First Responder and Veteran Summit - Tuesday 26 March 2024 City of Sydney Fire Station. RSVP's are essential. Details

(08/03/2024)
Update:
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the sad passing of retired Station Officer Paul Salvatore MANGIONI (5377) on 26th February 2024. Paul joined NSW Fire Brigades on 3rd March 1978 and retired on 13th March 2015, last serving at Randwick Fire Station. Paul served for 37 years. Paul served at Headquarters on 'A', 'C' and 'D' platoons, 76 Bondi, 4 Darlinghurst, 11 Woollahra, 38 Pyrmont, 56 Matraville and 39 Randwick. Funeral

(06/03/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of Retired Deputy Captain Greg James ROGERS (31009), on 28th February 2024 formerly of Bateau Bay Fire Station. Greg joined NSWFB on 15th August 1979 and retired on 8th November 2004 serving for 25 years. Greg served as an engine keeper at Killarney Vale, 460 The Entrance, and 351 Bateau Bay Fire Stations.
Funeral

(05/03/2024)
From Paul Cullen: OK folks, this year's Comms 'B' long lunches are: Fri March 15th Glenmore Hotel The Rocks, Fri July 5th the Helm Bar Darling Harbour & Tues, November 26th the Zetland Hotel Green Square, do ya best & spread the word, cheers Cullo. 

(04/03/2024)
If anybody knows the whereabouts of retired Supt. Mick JOHNSON (5517) (ex Zone Commander N4) could you please contact Ray Kelly on 0458 687 765 or alternatively ask Mick to ring.

(01/03/2024)
Report from Fire News Editor Kernin Lambert of the 2003 Major Fire involving a Smithfield Pallet Factory placed in Fire Rescue News Articles

(28/02/2024)
The next 'E' District Reunion is scheduled for Friday, 27th September 2024 at The Redfern 106 George St Redfern for midday onwards. This event is open to all ex firefighters and firefighters and is not exclusive to E District members. Come along and enjoy an afternoon with old mates and taller stories. 7 months to reserve the day so let all your mates know it’s on again. Any enquiries please contact Paul (Demi) Roussis on 0434 813 131 or join our facebook group NSWFB E District Reunion for updated information. Kind regards Demi.

(27/02/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the sad passing of Firefighter Graeme Robert HALCOMB (4975). Graeme sadly passed last week. Graeme joined the NSW Fire Brigades on 12 October 1973 and retired on 10 February 2000 last serving in NSW Bushfire Training Section for a total of 27 years. Graeme or 'Cuddles' as he was affectionately known served at Stanmore, Concord, Headquarters A' platoon, Parramatta, Wentworthville, Smithfield, Liverpool, Equipment Research and College Administration. Funeral

(20/02/2024) 
An Illness notice has been received from the Commissioners Office for Retired Deputy Captain Michael RYAN (397005) formally of 397 Nambucca Heads. Deputy Captain Ryan joined NSW Fire Brigades in 1967 and retired in 2000, serving for 33 years. Sadly, we have been given information that Michael is seriously ill. The Illness notice has been placed in FR360.

(07/02/2024) 
Send Off for Michael Pitt.
Thursday, 28th March 2024. After what could only be described as a stellar career Michael has decided to hang up the keyboard and file away the terabytes. We have all born witness to the technological advancements that have taken Fire and Rescue NSW into a new age. Michael has been the driving force behind the majority of those changes, always keeping the front line firies foremost in his mind. Come and help us celebrate his fantastic legacy.  Details. Flyer

(05/02/2024)
Retired S/F Fred Wales is currently going through a rough patch having recently battled cancer, he lost his house in a fire last week. He would appreciate a call from fellow retirees. Please contact Ray Kelly on 0458 687 765 for further information.


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

(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 28/03/2024 ***
*** Commissioner's Orders 27/03/2024 ***
Photo Gallery 27/11/2023 
 Regional Retiree Reunions 14/09/2023
Retirement Functions 07/02
/2024
*** Social Events 18/03/2024 ***