The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service has paid tribute to Adrienne Clark OAM AFSM, who died on 13 August after suffering from cancer.

Joining the MFS in 1987, she was the first full time female firefighter in South Australia and the first female MFS commander.

Posting on Facebook, the MFS described Adrienne Clark as a trailblazer for women across the state. 

“She broke barriers and pioneered change for the better in our organisation, paving the way for those that have followed.

“Adrienne’s commitment to serving our state reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice firefighters make in the line of duty.”

She was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in 2016 and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019.

Adrienne Clark was also a pioneer in agriculture, co-founding Ambersun Alpacas with Chris Williams, in Mount Compass in 1992.

Widely respected and admired across the community, her death has drawn tributes honouring her leadership, determination and compassion.