Mr Tull, or ‘Tully’ as he was known to his friends and colleagues, died last week in a helicopter crash during firefighting operations at the Kingiman fire, west of Ulladulla.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presented the award to Mr Tull’s family at the memorial that commemorated his life and service.

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The award’s citation said Mr Tully was born in New Zealand in April 1961.

Mr Tull pursued his passion and love of flying and gained a student pilot’s licence in 1988. He then was awarded his commerical helicopter pilot’s licence in 1998.

Mr Tull logged “thousands of flying hours” over decades including firefighting, mining, hunting and fishing in New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Inner Mongolia, China, United States, Canada and Guam. 

“On Friday, August 17 2018, whilst flying a BK117 Helicopter for Sydney Helicopters, Allan Tull was tasked to water bomb the Kingiman fire within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area,” the citation said. 

“A task that Allan had done so many times for so many communities across New South Wales. 

“Flight crews played a critical role in containing the Kingiman fire enabling ground crews to consolidate containment lines.  During this water bombing operation an unfortunate event occurred that resulted in Allan tragically losing his life while protecting communities.

“The New South Wales Rural Fire Service offer to the family and friends of Allan Tull our deepest condolences.  Allan Tull or “Tully” will always be remembered as an accomplished pilot and member of the firefighting fraternity for his professionalism and courage which will never be forgotten.”

A funeral service will be held for Mr Tull next week in New Zealand.