A FORMER Riverland resident and firefighter who was killed in a truck crash near the SA-Victorian border is being remembered by former colleagues as a generous volunteer and an “all-around good bloke”.
Steven Lawrie, 46, died when his B-double crashed into the back of a stationary truck in Serviceton last Thursday night as vehicles queued to enter South Australia following the announcement of a hard border closure.
The truck that had been stationary subsequently collided with another B-double in front of it, with all three vehicles catching fire.
The exact cause of the collision is under investigation.
Mr Lawrie, of Parafield Gardens, had worked as a retained firefighter at the Renmark MFS station for nearly 15 years before he moved away from the region last March due to other work commitments.
MFS regional commander Garrick Lehmann sent his condolences to Mr Lawrie’s family.
“He was a community-minded and active person, and was well-appreciated and respected by his colleagues,” he said.
Renmark MFS station officer John McNaughton said Mr Lawrie was generous with his time and well-liked by friends and co-workers.
“He was very well-respected by all the other ‘firies’,” Mr McNaughton said.
“Whenever anything needed doing around the station, he was the first to volunteer and he was also always volunteering in the community.
“It didn’t matter what it was, whether we were doing a display down the street or putting on sausage sizzle, he always stuck his hand up.
“He was just an all-around nice bloke.”
Mr McNaughton said Mr Lawrie’s former colleagues were mourning his death.
“On the fireground he really knew his stuff and was a good firefighter – always reporting for calls,” he said.
“Even though he resigned about 12 months ago, once you are a firefighter you are considered a brother even if you leave, so the boys are missing him.”
Mr Lawrie was also remembered for his contributions to local football as a coach, umpire and volunteer, and as a passionate supporter of the Paringa Football Club.
The club offered its condolences through a Facebook post published last Friday.
“On behalf of the club, we would like to send our condolences to Hamish Lawrie and family on the passing of Steve,” the post said.
“Steve was a very loyal Swannies supporter who was always there to offer his services.
“He helped with colts’ trainings, umpiring senior and junior games and many other duties over recent times.
“Your shift is now over.”
Victoria Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the collision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.