International Firefighters Day 2025: Fireys prepare for seasonal ‘turmoil’ ahead of first ever solo NTFRS budget

Firefighters have paid tribute to their fallen colleagues as the Territory prepares for the upcoming fire season. See how the frontline emergency services are preparing for their first ever solo budget.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services unveiled its new fire truck, stationed at Marrara, for International Firefighters Day on May 4, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Firefighters have paid tribute to their fallen colleagues as the Territory prepares for the “turmoil” of the upcoming fire season.

On Sunday morning the sirens of four NT fire engines broke the silence of a Darwin memorial on the Esplanade on International Firefighters Day.

NT Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell said the annual St. Florian's Day memorial was an important “time to reflect and remember those firefighters that don’t walk among us anymore”.

“They’ve obviously paid the ultimate sacrifice through their work, and either died in the line of duty or succumbed to injuries or health conditions that have been obtained through their service,” Mr Sewell said.

NTFRS Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell, Airservices Australia Darwin Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service Aerodrome Line Leader Michael Athanasiou, Acting Commissioner NTFES Collene Bremner, Acting Executive Director Bushfires NT Jacqui Forrest, Acting NT Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Fire Officer Brendon Magnoli, Chief Fire Control Officer Bushfires NT Tony Fuller at the International Firefighters' Day memorial on Sunday May 4. Picture: Zizi Averill

There are 14 fireys listed on the NT roll of honour remembering those who died while still serving in the fire service.

But Mr Sewell said Sunday’s memorial was also for those who had passed away after serving on the front lines, such as station officer Tommy Lawler who he described as a “loveable character and a very resilient man”.

His wife and former Chief Minister Eva Lawler laid flowers at the memorial on Sunday in a touching and quiet tribute to her late husband who passed away in 2018.

NT Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell, Acting Commissioner NT Fire and Emergency Services Collene Bremner, and Acting Executive Director Bushfires NT Jacqui Forrest paid tribute to the sacrifices made by NT firefighters and crews on St. Florian's Day, the International Firefighters' Day on Sunday May 4. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Sewell recognised that his crews were often on the front lines of horrors and tragedies, from car crashes, aircraft incidents and just two weeks ago, a fatal house fire in Alice Springs.

“They do an incredible job and they’re all there for each other,” he said.

“They really pull together and work as a team.”

Mr Sewell thanked the dozen attendees at the memorial on behalf of the many “firefighters working right now right across the Territory”, as crews prepare for the upcoming fire season.

“We’re going through some turmoil, and we’re about to go through our heaviest period,” he said.

Territorians paid tribute to the sacrifices made by NT firefighters and crews on St. Florian's Day, the International Firefighters' Day on Sunday May 4. Picture: Zizi Averill

The memorial also comes as the NT Fire and Rescue Service prepares for its first ever solo budget, after the Police, Fire and Emergency services “tri-service” was restructured.

“It is a good thing for the NTFRS to be separate and in charge of our own destiny,” he said.

“We can progress forward our own issues and an opportunity to realign and grow to what we need.

“Obviously financially the Territory is in trouble, however we’re doing what we can to restructure and reorganise in line with the Government’s intent.

“There’s always efficiencies … that need to be realised and made.

“But the government is committed to honouring what the past government has put in place.”

Territorians paid tribute to the sacrifices made by NT firefighters and crews on St. Florian's Day, the International Firefighters' Day on Sunday May 4. Picture: Zizi Averill

Just last week the NTFRS unveiled its newest $1.2m fire truck, a Scania Heavy Urban Pumper, which was capable of pumping 4890 litres of water per minute; carrying 2800 litres of water; and carrying 180 litres of foam concentrate.

The new vehicle has been kitted out with a full suite of new battery-operated road rescue equipment.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) unveiled its new fire truck, stationed at Marrara. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NT Fire and Rescue Service District Officer Eric Koomen, who is coming up on his 38th year in the service, said he felt “quite humbled” to have served the community throughout the years.

“That probably sounds a bit over the top but I truly am proud of being a firey and I enjoy it; it’s a very varied job,” he said.

NT Fire and Rescue Service District Officer Eric Koomen. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“There’s some times when it’s not fun, and you rely and think about your fellow workmates and the people that are being impact at that time, but there’s a lot of rewards in it as well.

“Again, going back to that community, I think that’s what really brings it home for me; I feel quite proud being a firey.”

Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller said firefighting was a “unique career” with “a lot of challenges” and encouraged Territorians to make their way down to one of the many events at the weekend.

“But there’s also a lot of satisfaction that you’re helping your community,” he said.

“And I think that’s what you find with a lot of volunteers.

“It’s just good to be able to give back to your community and help your fellow citizens.