Firefighters farewell ‘selfless hero’ Andrew O’Dwyer

Andrew O’Dwyer’s tiny daughter Charlotte was told today her dad was a selfless man, who only left her because he was a hero.

A guard of honour at the funeral service for RFS fireman Andrew O'Dwyer at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church at Horsley Park. Picture: John Feder.

Andrew O’Dwyer’s tiny daughter Charlotte was told today her dad was a selfless and special man, who only left her because he was a hero.

The toddler, wearing a white dress with her hair in pigtails, briefly touched her father’s casket as Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons spoke to her directly about her firefighter dad, who died battling bushfires in December.

Dozens of firefighters formed a guard of honour to farewell their mate and fellow firey, remembering him as a proud member of the NSW RFS whose greatest achievement was his little girl.

Pallbearers carry Andrew O’Dwyer’s casket into his funeral. Picture AFP.

The 36-year-old and his close friend Geoffrey Keaton, 32, were killed when their fire truck rolled while they were battling the large Green Wattle Creek blaze near the town of Buxton.

A requiem mass was held for Mr O’Dwyer on Tuesday at Our Lady of Victories in Horsley Park, the suburb where his RFS brigade is based.

Hundreds of family, friends and RFS members filled the church as tributes flowed for the young father.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, state Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and federal Labor MP Chris Bowen were among the mourners.

RFS Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer with his wife Melissa and baby. Picture; Facebook.

RFS volunteers and representatives from other emergency service agencies formed a guard of honour as Mr O’Dwyer’s casket was carried into the church with some saluting and others putting their hand on their heart.

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons battled tears as he spoke to Charlotte, who wandered up to the pulpit during the service.

Errol O’Dwyer said farewelling his son was the hardest thing he ever had to do. Mr O’Dwyer described his son as a free spirit who lived in the present and whose greatest achievement was his daughter.

Mr Keaton was remembered at a separate service last week.

AAP