"Thank you for your courage, dedication and commitment to serving the people of the Teviot Valley.
"Thank you for your passion for the Brigade and the care and friendship that you gave to every member.
"You will be missed from our lives, our community and our Brigade," the post on Facebook said.
Ian Gregory Wells (54) died after getting into trouble while diving in Doubtful Sound yesterday.
A doctor on a nearby boat attempted to resuscitate Mr Wells but was unsuccessful.
Mr Wells joined the fire service in 1980 and had served in the Tapanui and Balclutha brigades before joining the Roxburgh brigade in 2007.
He became a station officer in 2009 and was said to have helped improve the operational standards and safety of the brigade.
He also received his gold star for 25 years of service from the fire service in 2011.
Police have released the name of the Roxburgh man who died after getting into trouble while diving in Doubtful Sound yesterday afternoon.
