Todd Russell, who gained national recognition as a survivor of the Beaconsfield mine disaster, has died this week aged 54. Mr Russell died yesterday, days after leaving hospital to be with family.

Mr Russell was a volunteer firefighter in his local area for 31 years, serving with the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) at the Beaconsfield brigade. His grandfather founded the brigade in 1953. Mr Russell retired as the brigade’s chief in February this year.

Tasmania Fire Service district officer Anthony Goss honoured Mr Russell’s life and legacy outside the Beaconsfield brigade on Tuesday. Mr Goss said Mr Russell volunteered for the brigade for 31 years and was one of Beaconsfield’s longest serving brigade chiefs. He added that the Russell family has been a “massive part” of the Beaconsfield community for a long time. Mr Goss said Mr Russell’s legacy “will be carried forward for generations” and his leadership would leave a “long-lasting effect” on the community and brigade members.

Mr Russell responded to more than 2000 call outs during his time with the Fire Service. In 2021, he helped rescue a German shepherd from a mine shaft, 15 years to the day after his own rescue. He also volunteered to assist New South Wales firefighters during the 2019/20 black summer bushfires, for which he received the National Emergency medal. He also received the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Service medal.

Mr Russell, along with fellow miner Brant Webb, endured two weeks trapped underground in 2006 after a rockfall at the gold mine they were working in. Their colleague Larry Knight died in the incident. Mr Russell said his experience as a leader in the TFS helped during the mine collapse.

Former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten noted Mr Russell’s firefighting as a testament to his legacy. Mr Shorten said Mr Russell used the “next 20 years of his life” to educate, mentor and coach people about being kind and giving more than you take. Mr Shorten added that the impact Mr Russell left “certainly will be carried forward for generations”.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Mr Russell’s 31-year contribution to community service was “exemplary”. Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said the state government would consider “all options” available to pay respect to Mr Russell.

The Australian flag was flying at half mast at the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade on Tuesday. Mr Goss said a guard of honour would be offered for Mr Russell’s funeral.