Izabella ‘Izzy’ Nash memorial: Firefighters unite in force to mourn ‘one of their own’

The partner of fallen firefighter Izabella “Izzy” Nash has delivered an emotional speech at a public memorial held in Brisbane today.

The partner of fallen firefighter Izabella “Izzy” Nash, who died after becoming trapped in a blaze earlier this month, has delivered an emotional speech at her public memorial, saying she was “the matriarch of her family, she was the confidant, the teacher, the mediator, the Macgyver”.

Hundreds of firefighters, friends, relatives and dignitaries have turned out to Ms Nash, who died in hospital after running out of air while at a factory fire in Slacks Creek on May 2. Her colleague, Lia Drew, was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being rescued from the building by colleagues.

Firefighter Izabella Nash with dog Billy.

Ms Nash’s partner, Bec Weinert, delivered an emotional tribute, with Ms Nash’s niece Taylor Toni by her side.

“My life with Iz has been one packed full of adventure and memories,” she said.

“We have explored new countries and camped and travelled our way around Australia.

“It was here in the freedom, the vastness and the unexplored that she found peace.

“Our life together was full.”

Izzy's partner Bec speaking at the memorial service

But she said it was not the adventures that she would miss the most.

“I miss that you are my rock,” Ms Weinert said.

“You are the strongest, the softest, most determined person I have ever known.

“You are my person and I am yours. Until we meet again, I miss you always.”

Ms Weinert said Iz was an “extraordinary individual who meant the world to us”.

The funeral of Izabella Nash.

“She was an exceptional firefighter who had passion for teaching junior firefighters the complexities of pump operations, firefighting, equipment use and what to do at an incident,” she said.

“Resembling a pillar of strength, she was the matriarch of her family, she was the confidant, the teacher, the mediator, the Macgyver.”

Hundreds turned out for the funeral.

Ms Weinert said Izzy’s “fierce loyalty and caring nature left us feeling protected and nurtured.”

“I will miss that you used to select a show on TV and then fall asleep within minutes. I’ll miss our conversations, playing our silly games with Billy, planning our future together and exploring life with you.”

The scene a day after the fire at a warehouse in Slacks Creek. Picture, John Gass

Ms Nash, who also had a military background, joined the fire service in 2014 and served as a First Class Firefighter.

Dignitaries at the memorial, including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and interstate fire commissioners, are in attendance at the public event.

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach is not at the service. He is understood to be on leave and out of the country. Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing will instead deliver the Commissioner’s Address.

Volunteers from the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Services are also seated throughout Nissan Arena in Nathan.

Ms Nash died after running out of air while battling the blaze. Picture: QAS

Ms Weinert said Izzy’s “fierce loyalty and caring nature left us feeling protected and nurtured.”

“I will miss that you used to select a show on TV and then fall asleep within minutes. I’ll miss our conversations, playing our silly games with Billy, planning our future together and exploring life with you.”

Acting Superintendent Steven Bates welcomed Ms Nash’s parents and partner Bec Weinert, as well as acknowledging the presence of the Premier, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.

Firefighter Izabella Nash, who died from injuries sustained while responding to an industrial fire at Slacks Creek on May 2, 2023.

He also acknowledged commissioners, chief fire officers and their representatives from across Australia.

Mr Wassing, addressing the service, gave his condolences to Ms Nash’s family and her colleagues.

He said she graduated in 2014 and did her first shift at Mount Ommaney station. He said she eventually moved to Acacia Ridge, where she had her “work family”.

“Izzy’s drive and desire were clear to everyone when they worked with her,” he said.

“It was her admirable focus on others that meant the fire service was a perfect fit for her.

“It’s a tight-knit family and one that Izzy was and always will be a highly valued member of.”

Mr Wassing said he had spent time with Ms Nash’s closet colleagues, who shared stories of her career,

“They are mourning the loss of one of their own,” he said.

“The loss of a wonderful colleague, the loss of a dear friend.

“They are missing her greatly.”

To Ms Nash’s partner, he said: “Bec, your loss is unimaginable. You are one of us.”

Izabella Nash.

Station officer Fiona Rose, who met Ms Nash at the academy when they were both recruits, spoke on behalf of her firefighting colleagues.

“Her thirst for knowledge was unrelenting,” she said.

“She was steadfast and passionate in her quest for equality.”

Ms Rose said her friend was the first into her gear and was a mentor to young firefighters.

Firefighter Izabella Nash with partner Bec Weinert and dog Billy.

She said they were all devastated by their loss.

“And we wonder where we go to from here – now what?” she said.

“We have two choices. We go back to living the lives we were living … or we honour Iz.

“We honour her by being better, by doing better.

“Surely that is all she would ask of us.

“Learn something new … go the extra mile for a colleague or member of the community.”