Mr Finn, 59, died at the Mercy hospital last week after more than 20 years’ involvement in ambulance and emergency rescue services.

Colac-born Mr Finn came to Albury in 1975 as a refrigeration app-rentice and then ran his own air-conditioning and refrigeration businesses.

He married his wife, Ella, 37 years ago and they raised three sons.

In 1993 Mr Finn joined the NSW Ambulance Service in Albury and began a long-term commitment to the provision of out-of-hospital care in southern NSW.

He completed intensive care paramedic training in 1999 and went on to hold several leadership positions including station officer, district officer at Denliquin, trauma clinical support officer and, in recent years, clinical training officer.

His latter role included travelling to remote locations to provide in-house training including training first-aid volunteers at Pooncharri.

NSW Ambulance director of education Alan Morrison said last night: “Des was often recognised by his patients for his caring nature and professionalism.

“His career was characterised by compassion, professionalism and commitment.

“Des regularly supported the community through the provision of first-aid presentations and usually in his own time.”

He only recently gave up work with the Volunteer Rescue Association in Albury due to ill-health.

Mr Finn is survived by his wife and sons.

Ambulance and volunteer personnel will form a guard of honour at a service at Sacred Heart Church in North Albury today at 1pm.