Heartbroken family and friends pay tribute to young South Australian firefighter Daniel Page after he suddenly died in his sleep: ‘A proper hero’

Tributes have poured in for a much-loved young firefighter who tragically died in his sleep.

Daniel 'Pagey' Page, a Lieutenant 2 at the Salisbury Country Fire Service branch in South Australia, died on Tuesday – just days before Christmas.

The sad news was shared on Facebook by his workplace two days later, with him remembered as 'one of the greats of Salisbury'.

“Daniel, or as we call him 'Pagey', joined Salisbury CFS in 2017 and we knew from day one he would achieve great things,” the post said.

'The stories show that his amazing, kind and empathetic nature touched many in the service and the patients he cared for and saved.'

“Pagey always had time for everyone around him and was the first to raise his hand when someone needed help,” the post continued.

'His favorite things in life were triple double macchiatos, exploring the countryside with friends and family, working on vehicles or his next project, working incredibly hard to achieve more and being part of SAAS (South Australian Ambulance Service) to help others to assist.'

The South Australian man was a Lieutenant 2 with the Salisbury Country Fire Service department and also worked as an ambulance officer with the South Australian Ambulance Service

Messages of love and support poured into the comments section of the tragic Facebook post, with many of his colleagues sharing stories of the 'special' man

The young firefighter was the caretaker of Truck 58 and was fixing a leaking master cylinder – which was completed by a friend in his honor.

“You will be forever missed Pagey and the world was a much better place with you in it. Rest in peace mate, we'll take it from here,” it said.

The much-loved local man worked his way up through the ranks of firefighter, senior firefighter and then Lieutenant 2 and was also an ambulance officer with the South Australian Ambulance Service.

Mr Page was recognized for his work evacuating residents from a nursing home on the Murray River during last year's floods.

He would also receive his National Emergency Medal for his part in the fight against the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Mr. Page was repairing the leaking master cylinder of truck 58, which was completed by a friend in his honor

Mr Page, a much-loved person and excellent at his job, was awarded an award for his work in the evacuations during last year's floods and was due to receive his National Emergency Medal for his part in tackling the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Mr Page was an aspiring paramedic and had just been accepted to study at Flinders University.

The post attracted hundreds of comments, with friends, family and locals sending messages of love and support for the South Australian man's family.

“Only the good die young…RIP, for a true hero,” one person wrote.

Another added: “A truly great guy, always smiling no matter the situation and always providing support and a gentle push to his crew when needed. He will still be on the front lines leading us through danger and looking down like a leader he was.

'Pagey was special, he always had time for a chat and a joke, his quick wit, intelligence and social skills set him apart from the rest and his rise through the ranks was not unexpected.'

The young firefighter was described as a 'truly great guy' and a 'real hero' for his contributions to the community

A third shared the story of the day he first met Mr Page, writing: 'Met him when he came on board as an apprentice – his car crashed the night before his first day – and still made a huge impression.

“Growing into a young man, immensely generous with his time, he set his goals on a number of worthwhile endeavors that speak volumes about him and his family.”

“What a loss for everyone who was lucky enough to spend time with him,” the colleague added.

Several neighboring fire stations also expressed their condolences and changed their official account profile photos to the “firefighter down” emblem.