QFRS senior firefighter Bill Edgar’s family, friends sharing loving tribute

Highly decorated senior fighter Bill Edgar has been remembered for his successful, decades long career serving the Gympie community.

Senior firefighter William ‘Bill’ Edgar following the news he would be awarded with a 2nd Clasp National Medal for his service in the Australian Defence Force and for his extensive career in the Fire Service.

Heartfelt tributes are flowing in Gympie following the tragic passing of retired senior firefighter and ex-military member William “Bill” Edgar on October 29.

The devastating news comes soon after Bill lost his wife Kim Edgar in January 2023, leaving behind their three children Jake, Ned, and Molly.

Bill was recognised by the Australian federal government and awarded a 2nd Clasp National Medal for his service in the Australian Defence Force and his extensive career in the Fire Service.

The 2nd Clasp National Media is for permanent and part time ADF members as a result of full or part-time service with other eligible organisations such as the police force, fire service, ambulance service, corrective services and the Australian Protective Service.

Bill Edgar and his colleagues Firefighter Brad Izod, Senior Firefighter Tony Wildman, and Station Officer Matt Phillips receiving the QFRS Commissioner’s Medal of Valour for a fearless rescue mission in Widgee Creek during the January 2013 floods.

Bill was also awarded with the QFRS Commissioner’s Medal of Valour for a fearless rescue mission in Widgee Creek during the January 2013 floods alongside colleagues Firefighter Brad Izod, Senior Firefighter Tony Wildman, and Station Officer Matt Phillips.

Bill worked with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for more than 25 years, but stated that his proudest moment in his career was becoming a fire investigator for the QFRS.

Mr Edgar began his career with the QFRS after serving in the navy, then in engineering, before moving to Gympie to raise his family.

Bill completed countless rescues throughout his long career, including swift water, high angle, and urban search rescues.

Bill Edgar with his late wife Kim Edgar, and children Jake, Molly, and Ned.

Bill said his favourite part of his career in the QFRS was helping people and the camaraderie with his colleagues.

Mr Edgar was a member of the Gympie Hockey Association, which won Queensland Hockey’s Association of the Year Award in 2011.

Mr Edgar also volunteered as a bus driver for the Gympie Gold XI, who are the premier cricket side in Gympie and play in the SCCA division 1 competition.

Bill was a husband, father, and grandfather who kept busy on his large property in Gympie, spending time with his family and “tinkering around in the shed with vehicles and small motors”.

Bill Edgar’s funeral notice posted on Facebook.

Bill’s funeral will be held on Friday, November 15 at 2pm at the Gympie Hockey Club located on Power Road, Southside.

Family, friends, and all those who want to pay their respects and celebrate Bill’s life are welcome to join.

Guests are asked to dress in green, wear ‘loud’ or ‘obnoxious’ shirts, or wear Collingwood colours.