Firefighter who was killed battling deadly blazes is laid to rest as mourners break down in tears while carrying his casket
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A long, silent guard of honour formed as a hearse carrying fallen Victorian firefighter Bill Slade left after his funeral service at the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi.
The much-loved husband and father-of-two was farewelled by loved ones and colleagues at a marquee overflowing with mourners at the park on Wednesday.
Mr Slade, 60, was working edge of a fire at Angers Rest, near Omeo, when he was struck by a tree on January 11.
Mourners carry the coffin of fallen Victorian firefighter Bill Slade after he was hit by a falling tree earlier this month
A Parks Victoria worker is seen arriving for the funeral for veteran firefighter Bill Slade and hugging a woman
Firefighters and emergency service workers are seen arriving for the funeral for veteran firefighter Bill Slade
A Parks Victoria worker is seen hugging a colleague as he arrives for the funeral under sunny skies on Wednesday
Bill Slade had worked on major fire incidents in the past including the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.
He had worked on major fire incidents in the past including the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien were among the mourners, while back in Melbourne staff at the State Control Centre, including Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville and Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp, observed a minute’s silence in Mr Slade’s honour.
In the order of service, Mr Slade’s wife Carol and his children Ethan and Steph thanked those who had provided them with love and support following the tragedy.
Mr Slade is one-of-five men killed during Victoria’s bushfire crisis.
Firefighter workers arrive for the funeral for veteran firefighter Bill Slade at Wonthaggi State Coal Mine in Victoria
In the order of service, Mr Slade’s wife Carol and his children Ethan and Steph thanked those who had provided them with love and support following the tragedy. Pictured: Firefighters at the funeral
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is seen arriving for the funeral for veteran firefighter Bill Slade at Wonthaggi State Coal Mine
Firefighters and emergency service workers at Wonthaggi State Coal Mine in Victoria for the funeral on Wednesday
A guard of honour of Forestry and Fire Management workers lines the road as the hearse departs the funeral