THE helmet and overalls of fallen firefighter Steve Kadar were laid out over a Corryong fire truck at a moving memorial service today.
More than 400 people lined the Corryong Youth Club Hall to farewell the brave firefighter who died battling the Harrietville-Alpine North blaze in Victoria's high country on February 13, the Herald Sun reports
The much-loved Mr Kadar, 29, was described as a loyal family man with an "infectious smile".
"Good mates are hard to find but even harder to lose," said one grieving colleague.
Relative Wendy Poulton choked up as she described Mr Kadar as a "devoted brother and uncle".
"Steven was always the one jumping higher and riding faster," she said.
"This allowed him to shine in the job he loved so much.
"He had an uncanny ability to make people feel calm even in the most demanding situations."
With a larrikin streak, Mr Kadar was quick to share a joke or a line from The Simpsons.
"His cheekiness made him more lovable," Ms Poulton said.
Emergency services formed a guard of honour and "Slice of Heaven" by Dave Dobbyn, one of Mr Kadar's favourite songs, was played as solemn attendees exited the hall.
Gum tree branches, a symbol of his love of the outdoors, decorated the walls of the hall and outside flags were at half-mast.
Mr Kadar was cremated at a private ceremony on the weekend in Albury, with mourners at the memorial service today wearing green ribbons, honouring the colour of the DSE.
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