Tasmanian firefighter Rob Deverell loses battle with cancer two years after retirement

The people of Tasmania’s North West are paying tribute to a “gentle giant” who dedicated almost five decades of his life to keeping the community safe. DETAILS >

Rob Deverell.

The people of Tasmania’s North West are paying tribute to a “gentle giant” who dedicated almost five decades of his life to keeping the community safe.

Former firefighter, district officer and fire investigation officer Rob Deverell has died after a battle with cancer, just two years after retiring.

Mr Deverell has been at the coalface during some of Tasmania’s most memorable and awful tragedies – plane and car crashes, bushfires and deadly house fires.

UFU Fire Rescue announced on Tuesday that it was saddened to advise that their “comrade” Rob Deverell had died.

“Rob served communities in the North West and West Coasts for 48 years,” UFU Fire Rescue’s social media post said.

Tasmania Fire Service district officer Rob Deverell.

“Rob started as a volunteer firefighter, became a career firefighter and rose through the ranks eventually moving into a position where he was able to provide support to volunteer firefighters.

“Rob contributed a great deal to the fire service and sponsored the Ian Mitchell Memorial Shield, which is awarded to the ‘Firefighter of the Year’ each Christmas.”

Mr Deverell will be remembered at a funeral service in the chapel at Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Tuesday.

“A gentle giant, now at peace,” his death notice said.

The Burnie City Council said Mr Deverell was a “true gentleman” and Mayor Teeny Brumby said the community was “indebted” to him for his service.