Beloved Far North Coast RFS fire chief David ‘Cookie’ Cook dies aged 67

The emergency services community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Superintendent David Cook, a beloved bedrock of his community known for his dedication and compassion. Read the tributes.

The emergency services community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Superintendent David Cook, a beloved bedrock of his community known for his dedication and compassion.

David, affectionately known as “Cookie,” passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 19, following a short battle with illness.

He was 67 years old.

David’s journey began as a high school science teacher at Ballina High, where he inspired countless students with his passion and charisma.

In 1992, he transitioned to the Rural Fire Service (RFS), starting as a volunteer with the Lennox Head Bush Fire Brigade.

Rural Fire Service take a break at the Linneaus fire north of Lennox Head. L-R 30-year veteran Jo Heber, RFS Superintendent David Cook, Captain Ray Collyer who has 25 years experience and six-year firefighter Mitch Monti. The Linneaus estate, part of 600Ha burned over the past 24 hours.

His dedication and leadership quickly propelled him through the ranks, ultimately serving as Superintendent and Manager of the Far North Coast.

Throughout his 33-year career with the RFS, Cookie was a respected leader and mentor.

RFS Superintendent David James Cook, passed from a short illness aged 67.

His expertise in fire management was sought after across New South Wales and beyond, including in Victoria and South Australia.

As Incident Controller for numerous bushfires, he led with strength and compassion, touching countless lives in the process.

Shane Smallcombe, a close friend and colleague, shared: “He will be remembered as a caring, compassionate person who always put other people’s needs before his own. To me, he was a friend and mentor; we shared a love for surfing, travelling, Indonesia, and the NSW RFS.”

Paul Cowles, Regional Operations Manager of volunteer rescue association (VRA), echoed these sentiments, saying, “David Cook was a very good friend of mine and one of the reasons I stayed on in the emergency services.

“He was an absolute legend, one of the finest leaders I have ever met.”

Superintendent and Manager of the Far North Coast VRA, David Cook, aged 67.

Cookie’s impact extended beyond his professional life – a keen surfer, he was deeply integrated into the local surfing communities of Lennox Head and Bali.

Friends fondly remember him as “the surfie” in an RFS crowd and “the Aussie” in his Indonesian community.

His generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Former students from Ballina High also mourned his passing, describing him as the best teacher they ever had.

“He was a champion person,” one student remarked, highlighting the profound influence Cookie had on their lives.

Cookie’s legacy is one of selflessness and dedication – he was known for treating every member of the RFS with respect and fairness, whether they were newcomers or long-time colleagues.

His unwavering commitment to the community and his ability to prioritise the needs of others above his own made him a cherished figure.

David’s funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 28, at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.

“Rest in peace, Cookie. Your legacy lives on, and your watch is complete.”

Originally published as Beloved Far North Coast RFS fire chief David ‘Cookie’ Cook dies aged 67