More than $500,000 has been raised to support his wife Madison, who is expecting their second child within weeks. “He was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a lending hand and brought joy to those around him.” “Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to truly understand their needs, and to provide care with genuine warmth and empathy,” the Tougher family said shortly after his death. The private service at the University of Wollongong was attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park, and NSW Ambulance colleagues as well as friends and relatives.ĭraped with the NSW Ambulance Service flag, his casket was carried into the service by family to the tune of REM’s Everybody Hurts.Īfter the service, Tougher’s family, friends and dignitaries formed a guard of honour to escort the hearse, as NSW Ambulance and NSW Police helicopters honoured his memory with a flyover. “They will forever know how their dad was a hero who helped people through their most painful and sickest times.” ‘The best of us’ “Today I vow that our two beautiful children will always know what a selfless, hard-working, kind, compassionate person you were. “Knowing how many lives you’ve touched during your time here makes me feel so privileged and proud to tell people that I am your wife,” Madison Tougher said. She told the service it was love at first sight when she met her “forever love” at Wollongong’s Harp Hotel.

The hearse carrying the casket of Steven Tougher makes its way through a guard of honour of NSW Ambulance Paramedics, NSW Police and members of the public.

“Today, just seven weeks later, I make a new vow to you. “On that day, I made a promise to you, I vowed to love you for the rest of my days and I became your wife,” she said.

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