Ringwood: FRV Senior Station Officer Phillip Griffith dies on shift at fire station

A firefighting veteran is being remembered as a “straight-up guy” by colleagues following his sudden death while on shift in Ringwood.

Ringwood firefighters remain in shock after one of their senior officers suddenly died while on duty.

Phillip Griffith died at Fire Rescue Victoria’s Ringwood station on Maroondah Highway on Monday afternoon following a medical episode.

Fire stations throughout Victoria have lowered their flags as a tribute to Mr Griffith, who is believed to have worked as a firefighter for close to 40 years.

The flags will remain at half-mast until his funeral, of which details are yet to be announced.

Circumstances surrounding Mr Griffith’s death are unclear, however Leader understands he collapsed while on a phone call, and could not be revived despite fellow officers rushing to his aid.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics were also called to the fire station for assistance about 2.30pm on Monday.

Fellow Senior Station Officer Ross Halliwell said he had known Mr Griffith for “decades” and he often crossed paths with him at shift changeovers.

Mr Halliwell said the co-workers on Mr Griffith’s shift were still in shock following the tragic incident.

“Something just happened and he went down … they were working on him for quite some time,” Mr Halliwell said.

“I’ve been in (firefighting) for 38 years, and he’s been involved longer than me.

“He was just a straight-up guy … he will be missed.”

Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block said FRV’s thoughts were with Mr Griffith’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

On emergency services community Facebook page Behind The Seen, Megan Billington said Mr Griffith “served our community with great love, humility and distinction.”

“He was strong on teaching fire safety so he wouldn’t have to rescue us. A great mate to the Knox district emergency services,” she wrote.