FIRIES at Hamilton Station have paid tribute to Adam Parer, who died on Sunday in a hang-gliding accident at Bar Beach.

Newcastle Superintendent Brett Davies said they were devastated by the loss.

“This is very tragic news for us all at Fire and Rescue NSW, particularly for firefighters up here in the Newcastle area,” he said.

“Adam was a well loved, well respected firefighter especially here at Hamilton fire station.

“Adam served the community of Hamilton for 14 years and during that time he’s built a relationship not only with the staff here but with the community.

“We’re all in a state of disbelief with what occurred.

“We’ll support all our crew and work through this and remember the good times we had with Adam during his service.”

Superintendent Davies said they had spent the morning sharing stories about Adam.

“I was just talking to his station officer and his crew,” he said.

“[They were talking about how] Adam was actually one of the best.

“Hearing the stories about him and his dedication to the work he did, everything he did he actually excelled at.

“He did his hang-gliding, he had a science degree, he was a surfer.

“He decided he wanted to be a firefighter for the community and he excelled in his job.”