Tributes are pouring in on social media and community WhatsApp groups following the death of veteran firefighter and Florida Park Fire Station commander Patrick Cass on October 28.

Cass had been battling cancer for the past 10 years.

Cass started his career at Florida Park Fire Station (then Roodepoort Fire Station) in 1988, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated, passionate professional.

He rose steadily through the ranks, being promoted to senior firefighter in 1990, and leading firefighter in 1995.

According to City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, Cass’s commitment to the profession and his dedication to serve saw him promoted to the rank of station commander in 2001.

He has since served in this role at a number of fire stations throughout the city, including Hodgson Street Fire Station in Roodepoort CBD, Berea Fire Station and Hunters Hill Fire Station before ending up where he began at Florida.

“He served the residents of the City of Johannesburg for 38 years,” said Mulaudzi.

“He was the embodiment of service to the people. He served with absolute dedication even in very difficult situations, always showing leadership and humility. His presence in the services will be missed.

“May his soul rest in peace and may his family, friends and colleagues be comforted at this extremely difficult time.”

Discovery Community Forum chairperson Justin Bezuidenhout, who worked alongside Cass for years, becoming best friends and eventually family, said Cass’s death leaves a giant void in the community and the industry.

“As a firefighter, he possessed a level of dedication, professionalism and experience that money just can’t buy,” he said. “He was never shy about sharing his wealth of knowledge, and many a firefighter today owes a debt of gratitude to him for the passion and patience with which he imparted that knowledge.

“He was always calm and collected even when faced with extremely dangerous and complex situations, and he selflessly gave his all to this profession.”

Bezuidenhout added that he was equally loved and respected within the community he served, always willing to go the extra mile to serve.

“In addition to his professional dedication, he was a beloved husband and father who put his family above all else.”

According to his wife, Janine, the family are thankful for the time they had with him, and he will be dearly missed.

“Patrick was my safe place, my partner, my home.

“Watching him face cancer took so much from us, but it never took the deep love we built together.

“He fought with such courage. His strength and perseverance will forever be remembered.

“My officer and a gentleman.”

Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn said that he first met Cass as a young child at the Hodgson Street Fire Station, when he would accompany his father, a chaplain, every Sunday for morning devotionals.

“Cass was always accommodating of this nosy child in his fire station, and his level of humility and dedication to service always made an impression on me.

“Cass was the embodiment of what it meant to serve, and he did so with absolute dedication even in the most difficult of circumstances some days.

“As a councillor, I knew he was always a call away at any time, day or night. There were many times when he would arrive at a fire scene even before his fire engines because he had the passion to get on scene and serve.

“His presence in the service will be missed, but I know his legacy will live on in those who served with him and learnt from his leadership.”

Emergency Control SA paid tribute to Cass with a heartfelt post on their Facebook page:

“Today, the firefighting community mourns the loss of someone truly special. Someone more than just a firefighter – a mentor, a leader, a teacher, and an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Today, we say goodbye with heavy hearts, but we will forever be grateful for the lessons, the guidance, the wisdom, and the example you have left behind.

“Although you may no longer stand beside us on the fireground, your teachings will continue to guide us, your influence will live on through those you mentored, and your name will remain part of the story of the firefighting family you helped shape.”