The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
MOVING FAREWELL TO FIREFIGHTER
Friends, family and colleagues come together for funeral of popular Peterborough teaching assistant and volunteer firefighter
Friends, family and colleagues said an emotional farewell to a popular volunteer firefighter and teaching assistant.
Will Baker died last month, and his funeral was held in the city this week.
Mourners sobbed as they said goodbye to their friend.
Will, who along with his firefighting role was a teaching assistant at The Phoenix School in Peterborough where he had worked for 16 years restored trucks, and his coffin was carried from the Volunteer Fire Station on Bourges Boulevard in the city centre to the crematorium on Tuesday.
His colleagues gave him a guard of honour at the sombre service, while a convoy of vintage cars were also in attendance to pay tribute.
His yellow firefighter helmet was placed on his coffin as he was carried into the crematorium by his colleagues at the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade (PVFB).
Will had been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years.
Known for his commitment to the brigade and the people he served, he was always true to the brigade’s motto of ‘always, ready and willing’.
Following his death, PVFB Chief Officer Tony DeMatteis said: “Will was a long serving and well-respected member of the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade.
“He was kind, caring and loved helping anyone he could without a thought for himself. This has come as a great shock to us all and he will be terribly missed by all that knew him.”
The Phoenix School headteacher Charlotte Whysall said: “Will was the heart of our school community, he was loved and respected by all.
“We will miss his humour, commitment and passion – nothing was ever too much for Will and he went above and beyond to support our pupils. No one has done more and asked for so little in return.
“Will was the very best of us, he made a huge difference to the lives of all those he came into contact with and will remain in our hearts.”
Last month firefighters across Cambridgeshire fell silent to remember Will.
They lined up outside fire stations in Peterborough. Huntingdon, Cambridge and across the rest of the county in tribute following his death on May 26.
Crews at the Volunteer Station in Peterborough city centre spelled out RIP using their kit on the ground outside, and they were joined by Will’s family for the emotional tribute.
Chris Strickland, Chief Fire Officer of Cambridgeshire
Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Our volunteer fire brigade is a significant and much valued part of our service.
“Will, like his colleagues at the station, had offered his time to the community for many years, readily making sacrifices at home to respond to his pager and support Peterborough residents when they needed it, demonstrating his dedication, commitment and sense of community.”
A just giving page has been set up in Will’s memory to raise money for The Firefighter’s Charity.
For details of how to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ kirsty-sweeney2
‘He was kind, caring and loved helping anyone he could without a thought for himself.’ Tony DeMatteis PVFB Chief Officer