The wife of slain NSW paramedic Steven Tougher, who was pregnant when her husband lost his life on the job, has welcomed the couple’s second child.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the life of Paramedic Steven Tougher after he was tragically killed in the line of duty.
The 29-year-old was fatally stabbed inside his ambulance during his lunch break at Campbelltown McDonald’s in Sydney’s south-west on April 14.
His wife, Madison, welcomed their daughter Lily-Mae on May 18, describing the birth as “peaceful and calm, like Steven’s personality”.
New South Wales Ambulance made the announcement on the Tougher family’s behalf on Thursday evening.
The grieving wife of paramedic Steven Tougher has given birth just two months after he was allegedly stabbed to death while working. Picture: Facebook.
“Madison Tougher has asked us to announce the arrival of her and Steven’s daughter, Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher,” NSW Ambulance wrote on Facebook.
“Lily-Mae was born on Thursday, May 18, weighing 4.1 kilograms and measuring 48 centimetres in length.
“Madison and Lily-Mae, and big brother Kobi, are doing well and the extended family is very excited.
Loading embed…
“She has respectfully requested privacy at this time and asks not be contacted by media.”
A photo of Lily-Mae is expected to be shared at a later date, NSW Ambulance said.
In a separate social media post, Ms Tougher paid tribute to her late husband, writing she hoped “we’re doing you proud”.
“We love and miss you so much,” she said.
NSW Paramedic Tess Oxley says health workers are “doing it so tough at the moment,” noting that they are the lowest-paid paramedics in the country by a “considerable amount.”
“It’s gotten to the point not where we can’t go on a smaller holiday than what we’d like to do, but where we’re trying to work out how to pay our bills on a daily basis,” Ms Oxley told Sky News Australia.
“This is what our conversations are at work now.”
“What I would do just for you to be here enjoying this next chapter of our life together.
“Could just imagine how chuffed you would have been that your baby girl is finally here.
“You’ll always be our forever love.”
Steven and his wife were only newlyweds and expecting their second child at the time of the tragedy.
Mr Tougher had joined NSW Ambulance just 12 months ago and was excited to be stationed in the south-west so he could expand his family.
Last month he was farewelled by his family and friends at a celebration of life ceremony in Wollongong.
He was given a guard of honour with Premier Chris Minns, the Minister for Health Ryan Park and NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Alan Morrison attending the service.