Central Coast NPWS firefighter John Lohan killed at Bulahdelah
The family of a long-serving NPWS firefighter who tragically died while battling fires on the Mid-North Coast has paid tribute as his last heroic actions have been revealed.
An experienced firefighter who tragically died while battling fires on the Mid-North Coast has been identified as his last heroic actions have been revealed.
John Lohan, 59, a team leader in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife fire management program. died on Sunday night when he was struck by a tree while working on a blaze near the Pacific Hwy at Nerong, south of Bulahdelah.
On Tuesday afternoon, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed that he lost his life while undertaking a critical leadership role on the fireground, ensuring the safety of his firefighters and the community.
“He was a treasured and long-serving member of our staff who was based at the Lake Munmorah depot for almost 30 years,” a NPWS spokesperson said.
“He was an experienced firefighter who was deployed to fires across the state and was working as a Divisional Commander.”
His family has thanked the general public for their kind words, condolences, and support and has asked that their privacy be respected as they navigate this heartbreaking time.
“We extend a heartfelt thank you to the men and women of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Their ongoing contributions to our community often go unrecognised, and we truly value the role they play on the front line every day,” a family statement said.
“The news of John’s passing has come as a profound shock to us all. John was a great father, loving brother, and wonderful friend to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.” the statement read.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin said Mr Lohan was ensuring the safety of his colleagues before he was killed.
“His efforts on the fire ground to make sure that our firefighters were safe, and our firefighters were informed about all the things that needed to happen on the fire ground, are just testimony for the work he performed.” Comm Curtin said.
“This is a tragic reminder of the sacrifice that our firefighters make. There is something deeply Australian about people who put themselves forward to protect our community in their time of need.”
WorkSafe are aware of the death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Mr Lohan, a longstanding member of the parks service, helped to fight fierce fires brought about during the devastating Black Summer bushfire season in 2019 and 2020.
In a statement, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Deputy Secretary Alex Graham said she was “very saddened to confirm the death of one of our firefighters overnight”.
“Fellow firefighters provided first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene,” she said.
“Our thoughts are with the firefighter’s family during this difficult time.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was heartbroken by the news.
“It’s devastating and it’s a reminder of what firefighters have to do to keep the public safe,” he said.
“This is many ways a dangerous profession, and we’re deeply indebted to the men and women that devote their time to keeping us safe. This is terrible news today.”
Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have paid tribute to the firefighter who lost his life.
“My heart goes out to the loved ones and colleagues of the firefighter who has tragically lost their life in the Bulahdelah bushfire. All Australians are thinking of you in your time of grief,” the Prime Minister shared in a statement.
“This terrible news is a sombre reminder of the dangers that our emergency services personnel face to keep our homes and communities safe – and the extraordinary courage that their job demands. We honour that bravery, every day.”
Sussan Ley said the news was “devastating”.
All Australians are with the firefighter’s family, friends and the team who worked beside him,” she said.
“Our emergency services put themselves in harm’s way to keep Australians safe. Today we mourn this terrible loss.”
Stewart Little, General Secretary of the Public Service Association of NSW said the organisation was “saddened at the tragic loss” of Mr Lohan.
“He worked for NPWS over an extended period and was an experienced firefighter. Firefighters who work in NPWS perform extremely difficult and dangerous work to protect the community. We are all saddened at this tragic loss,” he said in a statement.
“He will be missed by his fellow NPWS employees who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with him over many years.
“The PSA will be sending industrial staff to support members.”
Diamond Beach RFS branch said the news was “deeply saddening”.
“From all at our brigade, we extend our sincere condolences to all family members, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragedy.”
Originally published as Central Coast NPWS firefighter John Lohan killed at Bulahdelah
