Tougher – a father whose family have given permission to identify him and publish his image – had been in the job for only about a year and had married his wife,Madison,five weeks before his death.

Madison was pregnant at the time of Tougher’s death and has since given birth to their baby girl,whom she named Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher.

Tougher’s death sent shockwaves through the NSW Ambulance community and more than $400,000 was raised for his family in just five days.

He was the first paramedic to die after an alleged violent assault during a shift for NSW Ambulance.

Shortly after his son’s death,Tougher’s father Jeff posted a message on Facebook urging his friends and family to support him on his “quest” for stronger legislation.

“People ask me if there’s anything I need. Well,there is. I need your support. I need your voice. I need you to back me in a bid to advocate for stronger laws to protect these people who serve the community with such passion and dedication,” he said.

“Laws like mandatory life sentences for killing anyone in the line of duty. A mandatory prison term for assaulting these people. Perhaps three years. Regardless of circumstance or state of mind.”

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.