Tributes flow for former Kingscliff firefighter John Bruhn

One of the Tweed’s original firefighters is being remembered as a “great man of integrity” and a “true community stalwart” as friends and family prepare to lay him to rest. Read the tributes.

Kingscliff firefighter John Bruhn at his retirement ceremony (third from left) in 1990. Picture: Supplied.

One of the Tweed’s original firefighters is being remembered as a “great man of integrity” and a “true community stalwart” as friends and family prepare to lay him to rest.

John Bruhn, 83, died surrounded by family at the Tweed Valley Hospital on December 19.

Mr Bruhn, one of the founders of the Kingscliff Fire Brigade in 1967, was “always caring for others” and had “the best attributes for being a firefighter”, those close to him said.

He is survived by his children Deborah, Trevor and Robert, daughter-in-law Lisa and six grandchildren.

Fellow firefighter and original Kingscliff Fire Brigade member Chris Ratcliff said the community had “lost a true community stalwart”.

John Bruhn. Picture: Supplied

“John was one of the last remaining inaugural members of the Kingscliff Fire Brigade – station 347,” he wrote on Facebook.

“He was one of the townspeople who put themselves forward to form the brigade in 1967 after the government at the time had called a public meeting in the town to gauge interest. John was a member from 1967 until his retirement in 1990.

“Some milestone structure fires John and the early brigade attended were the Chinderah Hotel fire destroying the hotel and bakery attached, the Murwillumbah Australian Hotel fire, BP service station Chinderah fire and the Cudgen peat bushfires.

“John has known me since I was born and he was a major part of me joining the brigade in 1984.

“He was a personal friend and confidant of mine all my life.

“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

John Bruhn (third from right) with the original Kingscliff Fire Brigade. Picture: Steve Manning.

Following Mr Bruhn’s death, tributes flooded in on social media.

Ella Scholl wrote: “A wonderful man of integrity and honour. Always caring for others with a beautiful heart for his family. John will be dearly missed.”

Kris Farmer added: “A true gentleman, sending love to the whole family.”

Firefighter Brett Gray said the community had “lost a great community man who had the best attributes of a firefighter”.

Mr Bruhn’s funeral will be held next Tuesday at 11am at St Andrews Church in Murwillumbah, followed by a burial service at Tweed Valley Cemetery.

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