‘A TRUE GENTLEMAN’ AND FIREFIGHTER LAID TO REST

HUNDREDS of Tasmania Fire Service members gathered outside TFS state headquarters on Tuesday morning to form a guard of honour in memory of longtime firefighter Lyndsay Suhr.

Mr Suhr’s 66-year contribution to Tasmania Fire Service and the Tasmanian community is significant, beginning his association with volunteer fire brigades in 1955 as a 14-year-old with Collinsvale Brigade, following in the footsteps of his father, who was the local fire warden.

Mr Suhr became a registered volunteer in 1977 when the Glenorchy Central Fire Brigade – now Wellington Brigade – was founded.

The Wellington Brigade was just one of many brigades across the state that paid tribute to Mr Suhr – or “Pooh” as he was known to many.

“Always keen for a story, not all of which were 100 per cent factual, but a man so full of knowledge that the world is a much poorer place this morning,” they wrote.

“The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones and there is no denying that Lyndsay accomplished a great many things in his life.

“His family being his greatest achievement, his brigade coming in a distant second and his contribution to the Tasmania Fire Service as a whole undeniably nothing short of impressive.”

Mr Suhr transferred to Glenorchy Brigade in 1977 and was promoted to brigade chief in 1983.

He was appointed group officer in 1988 – a position he held until his passing.

“Lyndsay has always been a very active and dedicated member of the fire service and made a major contribution to wildfire fighting. He successfully managed a number of large wildfires and was always prepared to provide assistance wherever possible on a statewide level.”

Mr Suhr was the Derwent group officer for the past 33 years and in 2019 was made an honorary life member.

“Lyndsay was a person who was respected by many, not just in our brigade, but by the entire TFS community and his knowledge of our area was second to none,” Claremont Fire Brigade posted.

“No matter what brigade you were from or how well he knew you, he was always there to help you and he always had a cracking story tell, something everyone will miss.

“The Mt Faulkner ranges which border the full length of the western side of our brigades response area – Lyndsay knew this area like the back of his hand and his knowledge of the area will be noticeably absent in the years to come.

“He has been a valuable mentor and role model to many past and present members of our brigade, including those who have progressed through from our brigade’s junior program of which Lyndsay has always been a very strong supporter.”

Mr Suhr was awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal in the 1996 Australia Day Honours, the National Medal in 1992 and numerous TFS long-service awards.