Firefighters stand silent for fallen colleagues

The on-duty Fire & Rescue crews joined in a minute’s silence to remember some 2,300 of their colleagues in the UK and countless others internationally who have died in the line of duty.

Chief fire officer Jon Le Page, who attended the parade, said it was a valued annual event.

‘This annual event is important for all serving and retired firefighters, who take a moment to focus as one on those colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,’ he said.

‘Firefighting is not without its risks and it is only fitting and right that we take the time to remember our colleagues who have given their lives.

‘This year, we are also thinking of those firefighters around the world who have lost their lives due to Covid-19.’

Stations fell silent to pay tribute to the nine firefighters in the United States and the four in Italy who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The three firefighters who lost their lives while serving in the UK last year – Simon Kaye, Stevie Kerridge and Josh Gardner – were also front of mind.

The event, organised jointly by the Fire Brigades Union and the Firefighters Memorial Trust, was particularly poignant this year, because other memorial events had been cancelled due to Covid-19.

Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary, was thankful for the firefighters who risked their lives each day.

‘While many remain in their homes as we battle coronavirus, firefighters continue to show up to work each day, keeping their communities safe,’ he said.

‘And, as with so many national emergencies, firefighters are on the frontline of this pandemic.

‘It is the sombre reality of our profession that, each day, the families of firefighters can never know for certain that their loved ones will come home that night.

‘Today, we remember their bravery and sacrifice. In their honour, we hold this minute’s silence.’