State Emergency Services volunteers spend their time supporting others, while this week they are mourning one of their own.
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Shellharbour unit member Billy Martin died while selflessly serving his community during Wednesday’s severe storms that lashed the region.
“Billy was a much loved and dedicated husband, father, family member and friend,” the SES said.
“He was also a valued member of the NSW SES Shellharbour Unit,” a spokesman said.
“The Martin family and the NSW SES would like to thank the community for their thoughts during this difficult time.
“We are now focused on supporting the family and ask that you respect their privacy and allow them the time and space to come to terms with their loss.”
Police will prepare a report for the coroner after the death of Mr Martin.
The 39-year-old Albion Park resident was with a crew removing a fallen tree in Flinders when he collapsed around 3:35pm, said Lake Illawarra Acting Inspector Peter Northey.
Inspector Northey said attempts to revive Mr Martin were unsuccessful.
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant expressed his deepest sympathies to the volunteer’s family and friends.
“My thoughts and prayers are also with the broader emergency services community, especially the SES crew who performed first aid on the man,” Mr Grant said.
Tributes for Mr Martin are pouring in on social media, with many of his colleagues changing their profile pictures to the blackened SES emblem as a sign of respect.