Firefighter Michael Kidd Among 17 Honoured at National Memorial

Today, the names of 17 emergency service personnel, including NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members, were added to the National Emergency Services Memorial, commemorating their ultimate sacrifice while protecting others. Among them was Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Firefighter and RFS Member Michael Kidd, who tragically lost his life while battling a house fire in Grose Vale in Sydney’s northwest late last year

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, and Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers AFSM, alongside special guests and family members, gathered at the annual memorial service held in Canberra this morning to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.

“Today we remember and thank the men and women who have died in the line of duty, while protecting communities across NSW and further afield,” Minister Dib said.

Firefighter Michael Kidd died in December 2023 while fighting a fire at a home in Grose Vale.

Through the memorial, which now bears the names of over 500 personnel from Australia and New Zealand, their legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and courage of our emergency service family, he said.

Commissioner Rogers said that, this year, in addition to numerous RFS members, the families of four firefighters who perished in the past year were presented with AFAC Memorial Medallions.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Firefighter and RFS Member Michael Kidd tragically lost his life while combating a house fire in Grose Vale in Sydney’s northwest late last year. Senior Deputy Captain John Holmes of the Mallanganee Brigade passed away last October following a medical episode while battling the Bean Creek fire in the Kyogle area. Captain Leo Fransen of the Diamond Beach Brigade on the Mid Coast lost his life after being struck by a tree while working on the Hudson fire outside of Walgett in November. Group Captain Dale Bowles of the Mid Murray, responding to a car fire in the Moama area, succumbed to a medical episode in December. 

“This is a fitting tribute to them and all who have tragically left us while carrying out the selfless act of defending others,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“Our thoughts continue to be with their families, loved ones, friends, and fellow brigade members.”

The National Memorial, situated on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by emergency service personnel. The annual National Memorial service is coordinated by the Australasian Fire & Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC).