Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has paid tribute to retired Warren firefighter Stephen Muir, recognising his more than four decades of dedicated service to Fire and Rescue NSW.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Butler said, “I pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Warren community, Stephen Muir, who recently retired after 40 years and five months of service to Fire and Rescue NSW."

"From 1985 to 2025, over an extraordinary 14,777 days, Stephen exemplified community spirit, courage and commitment.”

Before joining Fire and Rescue, Mr Muir had already shown his dedication to helping others through the Volunteer Rescue Association and the local Apex Club.

He went on to rise through the ranks of Fire and Rescue, becoming engine keeper in 1994, deputy captain in 2002, and captain in 2007, a role he held with distinction until 2022.

Mr Butler noted that Mr Muir’s leadership and sacrifice had strengthened both the service and the Warren community.

“His leadership, integrity and tireless service have left a mark on his colleagues and the wider community," Mr Butler said.

"His awards include the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; the National Medal, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd clasps; the Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation; and the third clasp to the Long Service

and Good Conduct Medal.

"I thank Stephen for his remarkable service and sacrifice.

"The Warren community is stronger and safer for his commitment."

During a speech in parliament, Member for Barwon, Roy Butler paid tribute to recently retired Warren firefighter Stephen Muir.

Among his many experiences on the frontline, one event in particular has stood out in the memories of colleagues – the September 2012 cotton gin fire at Warren, the largest of its kind ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chief Superintendent Gary Barber, Region West Area Commander, recalled Mr Muir’s leadership that day.

“Captain Steven Muir was the initial Incident Controller at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest ever cotton gin fire in September 2012 with 530 modules valued at $7 million affected, Mr Barber said.

"Just before lunchtime on Wednesday 5 September, a hot, dry and windy day, he was confronted with a large number of cotton bales well alight, with fire spreading rapidly due to strong winds.."

The blaze spread across 100 hectares, threatening the town’s golf course, a rail bridge, and forcing the closure of both the Oxley Highway and the main western train line.

An emergency alert was issued to Warren residents due to major smoke hazards, while dozens of fire crews and aerial support fought to contain the fire over two days.

Mr Barber said Mr Muir’s calm and steady presence set the tone for the massive firefighting effort.

“His calm presence when turning up as the Initial Incident Commander was invaluable,” he said.

Mr Butler concluded his tribute with warm wishes for Mr Muir’s future.

“I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him every future happiness,” he said.