Fire crews’ tribute to former colleagues

Fire crews at stations throughout Tyne and Wear held a one minute’s silence on Monday to mark Firefighters’ Memorial Day.

This show of respect and solidarity was observed by serving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff at theorganisation’s17community fire stations.

Firefighters’ Memorial Day acts as a national tribute to commemoratethe ultimate sacrifice made by those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Nationally, 2,524 members of the fire and rescue service have died while protecting the public – and archive records held by the Firefighters Memorial Trust shows that 42 members of the service are listed from the Tyne & Wear Fire Authority Area.

Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service chief officer, Chris

Lowther, said: “Being a firefighter and serving your local community is a privilege and a badge of honour all firefighters, serving and retired, wear with pride and carry forever in our hearts.

“Firefighter’s Memorial Day is a fitting way for us to remember our fallen comrades, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"The courage required to tackle a rescue situation is colossal, and those brave individuals have put the lives of others, before their own.

"Wewillalwaysbeindebted to their heroism; and the families, friends and loved ones who they have left behind, will to, be in our thoughts.”

The commemorative day is organised by the FirefightersMemorialTrust,andsupported by the Fire Brigades Union and the National Fire Chiefs Council.