LONG-TIME Mitiamo Fire Brigade communications officer Barry Schramm was the volunteer unit’s heart and soul.
That was the tribute from secretary Geoff Thomas to Mr Schramm who has died, aged 79.
The brigade life member served for more than 40 years, most as communications officer.
“In that role, it was not uncommon to receive a call from him at four in the morning asking for a relief team of a crew at a haystack fire,” Mr Thomas said. “That was his commitment and he never stopped.”
Mr Thomas said the Schramms - Barry and wife Lois - had been a team committed to the community. They ran the town’s post office and Mr Schramm was also a charter member of East Loddon Lions Club, serving as president and hosting exchange students.
Mr Schramm served on community committees including the swimming pool and progress association.
“He had a real passion for the community, always forthright and you knew where you stood,” Mr Thomas said.
“Barry was very much the go-to man in Mitiamo if you wanted to know anything or get something done.” 
Mr Schramm had joined the Nar Nar Goon CFA when he was 18 and has been a dedicated CFA member since, fulfilling firefighter roles and essential support roles at Merrigum, Echuca Village and since 1977, Mitiamo.