While firefighters and their families are well aware their roles are dangerous ones, staff and volunteers selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their communities, day after day, year in, year out.

Daniel Howard was one such person.

The electrical contractor and part-time firefighter from Cobar was killed when a wall collapsed while he and others battled the devastating blaze.

Family friend, Cobar mayor Lilliane Brady, paid tribute to Mr Howard, speaking fondly of a man who gave and gave to the town and had been one of the first to step up to raise money to help out after the local cemetery had been broken into and vandalised.

Another family friend of Mr Howard told the Daily Liberal: "you couldn't find someone more community minded, he lived and breathed the town".

When firefighters are not battling blazes they are giving up their own time to perform seemingly mundane duties such as washing equipment and carrying out routine maintenance.

Just this weekend dozens of Rural Fire Service volunteers from across NSW gave up their weekend to train in Dubbo to help their own communities in times of need.

Whether their work in the spotlight or behind the scenes, they are all heroes who deserve our support.

Our thoughts are with those devastated by this latest tragedy.

When you are at home with your own family tonight, pause for a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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