Firefighter Izabella (Izzy) Nash, who died in May due to injuries she sustained while fighting a fire at Slacks Creek, has become the 60th name added to the QFES honour roll.
It was a timely appointment made on Firefighters Remembrance Day, which saw ceremonies across Queensland commemorating those lost during duty.
Ceremonies included readings of the Firefighters Prayer, and a bell rung for each firefighter who has lost their life.
Flags at all fire stations were flown at half-mast and a minute’s silence observed at 10am.
Since 1877, 60 Queensland firefighters have lost their lives while on duty.
Ms Nash’s death was the first since 1994.
On 2 May this year, while fighting a factory fire at Slacks Creek, Ms Nash was found collapsed on the floor and was rescued by her colleagues before being taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
She died that evening at 9:15pm.
She is remembered as a partner, a daughter, a sister, an aunty and an “all-round lovely person”.
“She’s a friend to me,” QFES’ Michael Wassing said.
“Izzy was always the first person to step in and guide new firefighters, whether it was on the job or off the job.
Shortly after her death Chief Superintendent Robin Boniwell said he remembered Ms Nash training to become a firefighter.
“In my 29 years of service I have never experienced a fellow firefighter from my own agency or service pay the ultimate sacrifice to protecting their communities – until now,” he said.
“I interviewed Izzy for her role as a permanent firefighter and was proud to see her graduate from the School of Fire and Emergency Services Training several years ago.”
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said this year’s remembrance ceremony was “particularly sombre and challenging” for firefighters across the state.
“I know today, especially, Izzy and all of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty will be in the thoughts of the entire firefighting community,” Mr Leach said.
“In recent years our firefighters have faced dangers whilst responding to widespread flooding and while on overseas deployments in the aftermath of catastrophic earthquakes, and even Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand.
“Closer to home, they show up every day to a range of incidents to serve their communities.
“In past weeks, thousands of our firefighting staff and volunteers have spent countless hours protecting life and property during the response to bushfires, as our state prepares for another El Nino-influenced season.
“Flags at fire stations will fly at half-mast today as we stand together to honour the 60 firefighters we have lost and recognise those who serve day in and day out.
“We honour them and sincerely thank them for their service.”
