'You will be missed': Tributes flow for drowned Roxburgh man

Ian Gregory Wells has been honoured by his fellow firefighters following his drowning yesterday. Photo: Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade. Photo / Facebook

The Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade paid tribute to their fallen station officer and secretary this afternoon.

"Thank you for your courage, dedication and commitment to serving the people of the Teviot Valley.

"Thank you for your passion for the Brigade and the care and friendship that you gave to every member.

"You will be missed from our lives, our community and our Brigade," the post on Facebook said.

Ian Gregory Wells (54) died after getting into trouble while diving in Doubtful Sound yesterday.

Funeral Update: Hi all, firstly thank you for all the kind messages on this post, Ian’s funeral will begin at 11am on...

Posted by Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade on Saturday, 24 March 2018

A doctor on a nearby boat attempted to resuscitate Wells but was unsuccessful.

Wells joined the fire service in 1980 and had served in the Tapanui and Balclutha brigades before joining the Roxburgh brigade in 2007.

He became a station officer in 2009 and was said to have helped improve the operational standards and safety of the brigade.

He also received his gold star for 25 years of service from the fire service in 2011.