Damian Buswell, Dennis Jung and Mark Mudie added to Fallen Firefighters’ Honour Roll

Hundreds of people have honoured the families and legacies of Western Australia’s fallen firefighters at a memorial service in Kings Park on Sunday.

Three names were added to the Fallen Firefighters’ Honour Roll, which includes volunteer and career firefighters who have died in the line of duty or as a consequence of their service. 

West River Bush Fire Service volunteer firefighter of 27 years, Gregory Mark Mudie, died while battling a fire near Ravensthorpe, in December last year.

Career firefighter Damian Keiran Buswell, who worked in Welshpool and Albany, dedicated 32 years to emergency services and died from cancer in 2022.

Denis Jung first joined the Carnarvon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service in 2001 and later served as an aviation firefighter at Perth Airport.

He also died of cancer in 2022, at the age of 39.

Under WA’s Presumptive Legislation, it is presumed that a current or retired firefighter diagnosed with any of a list of 20 cancers acquired it in relation to their duties.

The legislation was introduced so firefighters can access financial support for their treatment, but it guides the addition of names to the Fallen Firefighters’ Honour Roll.

Minister for Emergency Services Paul Papalia said there are now 103 names on the honour roll, and the Firefighters’ Memorial in Kings Park.

“Names of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their friends, family and community,” he said.

Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm told the crowd that the fallen firefighters were remembered with deep respect for their courage and commitment

“It’s important that our first responders continue to stand together and support each other through these times of loss,” he said.

“While the pain of losing someone will never truly leave, families can take pride in their loved ones’ service and the legacy that they leave behind.

“We will continue to honour those who have fallen, and stand with the families they leave behind.”

The next of kin of the fallen firefighters were presented with a medallion honouring their service.

The annual service is held as part of International Firefighter’s Day, at the Firefighters’ Memorial Grove in Kings Park.

Nominations for the Fallen Firefighters’ Honour Roll can be made at any time to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.