The NSW Fire Brigades has honoured the action of an RAN sailor who went to the aid of a woman being robbed at a Sydney ATM on April 25, 1999.

LSET John Hammond had marched in the Sydney ANZAC Day parade and had enjoyed the camaraderie with his mates that day.

In going to the aid of the victim John was stabbed by a robber and died shortly after arriving at St Vincent Hospital.

Fire personnel from D Platoon at the nearby City of Sydney Fire station rushed to the scene and gave first aid to John.

On July 15 a plaque on the wall of the fire station remembering John's heroism was unveiled by CSO OPS MHQ CAPT Vin Thompson.

The plaque is near the stations 1887 foundation station.

"This occasion is significant," CAPT Thompson said.

"LS John Hammond had served 12 years as an electrician. He had the moral fibre to come forward - and gave his life," said CAPT Thompson.

"He was an extremely liked person - hence his name 'Hap' for happy. He served his country and his community."

SNR CHAP Brian Rayner conducted the blessing of the plaque by saying.

"May all who pass this way and view this plaque remember LS John Hammond and the fire brigade who serve here."

The memorial service was attended by the relatives of LS Hammond including his widow Sharon, his daughter Brodie, his parents Dorothy and John Snr from Melbourne, fellow shipmates, personnel from the NSW Police including those who investigated John's murder, and the NSW Fire Brigades.

"ANZAC Day is where we honour bravery. John did an Australian thing - he went to the defence of the underdog," said newly appointed NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.

The NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner, VADM (Rtd) Ian MacDougal also spoke highly of the ANZAC Day hero.

"It is a unique gathering. It is a story of one man facing up to evil. The brave action of an extraordinary man," said the former admiral.

"He will now be part of our ANZAC Service held each year at this station."

LSMT Michael Clifford who served with LS Hammond at FIMA/Sydney and in HMAS Newcastle, remembered John as a good guy, friendly and with a sense of humour.

"He was the ultimate father for our daughter Brodie, and a people person," said John's widow Sharon.

"When he visited my mother in the Hunter Valley John would help the local volunteer fire brigade. He helped in the Newcastle earthquake and the SES during the heavy storms of 1998."

"John's brother James 'Biggles' Hammond is in the Air Force and younger brother Mallory, 15, wants to be a naval engineer," said John's father.

"He loved the Navy and the Navy loved him."

The John Hammond Trust Award for the Sailor of the Year with the best can-do, helpful attitude is now presented yearly at HMAS Waterhen - John's last posting before leaving the PNF.

By LCDR Mick Gallagher