Being a firefighter for 18 years at Fire and Rescue NSW's Station 90 Menai was much more than a job for Rob Cashman.
His colleagues talk of an extremely likeable man, who showed tremendous dedication to his work, winning the respect of those with whom he served as well as members of the local community.
Senior Firefighter Cashman died on June 15 at the age of 59 after being struck down by motor neurone disease.
The sad news was reported on the station's Facebook page with the words: "Respect for a truly amazing Firefighter and a beautiful human being. RIP Rob".
Rob and his wife Conny, who married in 1989, lived at Bangor and raised two children, Jason, 28, and Bianca, 26.
"Cashy", as he became known, joined NSW Fire Brigades at Menai station in 1999 as a firefighter and served at that location until his retirement in November 2017.
During his career, he was awarded the National Medal and The Fire and Rescue Good Conduct Medal.
Along with other emergency service workers, he was also awarded a Commissioner's Commendation for his actions at the Waterfall train disaster on January 31, 2003.
Menai station captain Brady Clarke rode on the same fire truck as Rob to the scene of the rail disaster, where they worked for 10 hours pulling passengers from the derailed train.
"What we experienced that day changed our lives forever," Captain Clarke said.
"That was a rescue situation, but Rob was also involved in a wide range of fire emergencies.
"He was an outstanding professional firefighter, who was looked up to by many staff and was well known in the local community.
Rob was one of nature's gentlemen. I don't think I ever heard a bad word said about him."
Sutherland Shire Council paid tribute to the firefighter.
Mayor Carmelo Pesce read a Mayoral Minute and presented it to Captain Clarke and Deputy Captain Ben Miller.
Cr Pesce said Senior Firefighter Cashman's service was "exceptional".
"He was outstanding at mentoring new staff and was the first to help in any incident that Fire and Rescue attended," Cr Pesce said.
"He was described by his colleagues as 'an amazing man'."
