Mark White, Museum of Fire: Long serving firefighter

One of western Sydney’s longest-serving firefighters and the chief executive of the Museum of Fire has died while on duty. He is being remembered for his passion, guidance and leadership.

Mark White, the chief executive of the Museum of Fire and a long-serving member of St Marys Fire and Rescue, tragically passed away while on duty yesterday.

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One of Penrith’s longest-serving firefighters has died while on duty.

Mark White, a long-serving member of St Marys Fire and Rescue and chief executive of the Penrith Museum of Fire, died yesterday while on duty at St Marys station.

The station paid tribute to Mr White on social media this morning.

“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of 5960 Senior Firefighter Mark White OAM AFSM,” the post said.

“A massive loss to the firefighting community, the local St Marys community and the Fire and Rescue NSW family.

“Mark held the title as longest-serving firefighter at St Marys, serving the community for close to 30 years.

“He will be dearly missed.”

Mark White served at the St Marys Fire and Rescue station for close to 30 years. Picture: Google

Mr White was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2015 for his service to the community, and had also received an Australian Fire Service Medal.

In a statement, the Museum of Fire said Mr White had been “at the forefront of the Museum’s heritage works from the earliest days of the museum”.

“Without Mark’s guidance and constant support, the Museum of Fire would not have developed into the facility it is today,” the statement read.

“Mark’s passion for the work of the museum and dedication to assisting the community was second to none – Mark is irreplaceable.

Mark White had been involved with the Museum of Fire for 40 years, and was chief executive at the time of his death. Picture: Penrith City Council

“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers at the museum we want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mark and say thank you for his guidance, support, leadership, and passion.

“Rest in peace Mr Mark, you will be missed by everyone.”

NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister, David Elliott, also paid tribute to Mr White.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mark White,” he said in a statement.

“Mark White spent most of his life helping others and his passing will leave a big mark on the firefighting community for years to come.”