Tribute to fallen firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS in Staffordshire will pay tribute to fallen colleagues with a minute’s silence at noon today.

It is part of Firefighters’ Memorial Day, which falls on May 4 every year, and honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Over 2,300 such deaths are recorded in the UK by the Firefighters’ Memorial Trust.

The minute’s silence will take place on the forecourts of fire stations and other fire and rescue service workplaces, with many of the UK’S circa 54,000 fire and rescue service employees participating.

Members of the community, local politicians and families of fallen firefighters may also be in attendance at the minute silences around the country.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades’ Union, said: “This a huge moment of unity for us all as we come together to remember the courage and sacrifice of fallen firefighters. We must make sure the firefighters who died protecting their communities are remembered and honoured.

“As a union representing firefighters across the UK, we are proud to commemorate those have who come before us and to recognise their sacrifice and their contribution to the safety of people in our communities.”

The Fire Brigades Union and Firefighters’ Memorial Trust are laying a wreath at the National Firefighters’ Memorial by St Paul’s Cathedral in London, with Mr Wrack joined by union president Ian Murray and members.

There will be also be minute silences happening all around the UK.