A VOLUNTEER firefighter has died shortly after attending a vehicle fire in Hill End near Bathurst in NSW's Central Tablelands on Friday morning.
Jim Shanahan, a member of the Hill End Rural Fire Brigade, had returned to the station when he suffered a suspected heart attack.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) confirmed the death on Friday afternoon.
In a statement, the RFS said Mr Shanahan's fellow volunteers provided initial medical assistance, which included using an automated external defibrillator.
"They were supported by NSW SES members, NSW Police officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics, however tragically Jim passed away," the RFS said.
NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the Service's condolences are with Jim's family and friends, fellow crew, brigade members and the Hill End community.
"We are offering every assistance possible to Jim's family and fellow members," he said.
"We will continue to offer whatever help is required."
The fire Mr Shanahan attended occurred at the Hill End police station at around 1.30am Friday.
A fully-marked police vehicle was found well alight.
RFS volunteers extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was destroyed.
