Senior Station Officer Warren Bates (45), of Wanaka, died on the way to Dunedin Hospital on Saturday, following an accident at his home.
Last night, Wanaka Chief Fire Officer Ian Galloway paid tribute to Mr Bates, a 24-year brigade veteran, saying he was ''probably one of our most dedicated firemen''.
Mr Bates leaves a wife and two sons, aged 14 and 10, Mr Galloway said.
Mr Bates always attended training, was usually in the first truck to respond to any incident, and was a ''very active'' member of the brigade's social committee, he said.
''He was just a generally all-round good guy. He always put his hand up for fundraising events and stuff like that.
''He's probably one of our most dedicated firemen. He puts the fire brigade first, and he'll be sadly missed.''
Mr Bates was due to receive his Gold Star - marking 25 years of service - in August, and brigade members had been left ''pretty devastated'' by his sudden loss, Mr Galloway said.
A celebration of Mr Bates' life would be held at the Albert Town Tavern from 11am on Thursday.
