- International Firefighters' Day commemorates heroes lost while serving the community and honours the service of current and past firefighters
- Annual service held at Firefighters' Memorial Grove in Kings Park
- Western Australia's Honour Roll grows to 100 names with six firefighters added in 2025
One hundred Western Australian firefighters who have given their lives striving to protect communities have been remembered at a special service in Kings Park today.
International Firefighters' Day is held each year, enabling the families of fallen firefighters to join current and retired emergency services personnel to pay their respects and thank current and past firefighters for their service to the community.
This year six firefighters were added to the Honour Roll at the Firefighters' Memorial Grove in Kings Park.
One of those remembered today was Harry Stead, a 20-year-old volunteer who tragically died while coming to the aid of his community during a bushfire near Esperance in late 2023.
The five career firefighters also recognised today together served more than 180 years.
There are now 100 names engraved on plaques on display at the Memorial Grove, reflecting those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep Western Australians safe.
International Firefighters' Day commemorates the feast of Saint Florian - the patron saint of firefighters.
Saint Florian was a respected officer in the Roman army who was in charge of the empire's fire brigades.
He was renowned for bravery, guidance and self-sacrifice to protect his community - values that were proudly carried by those remembered today.
Attendees at the service have been encouraged to wear red and blue ribbons, the symbol of International Firefighters' Day, which shows appreciation to firefighters and recognises their sacrifices.
The colours are symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with, red for fire and blue for water, and are internationally recognised as representing emergency services.
The firefighters added to the Honour Roll in 2025 are:
Edmond Brooks OLY AFSM - started as a career firefighter in 1976 and served 37 years, rising to the rank of Superintendent;
Lee Burgin - was based at Osborne Park Fire Station for 32 years, rising to the rank of Station Officer;
Kim Hartley - was a senior firefighter who served at Welshpool, Belmont and Perth Fire Stations for 37 years;
Chester Mackean - was a veteran firefighter who served for 39 years at Perth Fire Station;
Darren Smith - served 38 years with Lime Lake and Wagin Town bushfire brigades and Wagin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service; and
Harry Stead - a volunteer firefighter with Coomalbidgup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Western Australians are immensely proud of their emergency services personnel who come to our aid when we're in danger.
"On International Firefighters' Day we take the opportunity to reflect on the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our State safe.
"It is important their sacrifices are not forgotten and we gather today to stand in support alongside their families, loved ones and colleagues as their names are added to the Honour Roll in the Firefighters' Memorial Grove in Kings Park."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Each year International Firefighters' Day serves as a reminder that those who valiantly devote their time to combat fires and respond to rescues, chemical spills, car crashes and other incidents across our vast State have a difficult and dangerous role.
"We must never forget to honour the courage and commitment of those who have fallen doing their duty.
"All current and retired fire and emergency services personnel today stand united with the family and friends of loved ones who strived to keep the State safe."
