Sirens will sound at fire stations across the country tomorrow at midday, to commence a minute’s silence for Firefighters Memorial Day. Communities are asked to join firefighters outside their local fire station to honour the more than 2,300 firefighters who have lost their lives.
A wreath will be laid at the Firefighters’ Memorial by St Paul’s Cathedral. The service will be attended by Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary, and public figures including former firefighter and Fire Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick MP. FBU representatives have invited MPs and councillors to join firefighters and members of the public at their local station’s ceremony.
Nearly 80 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion, tabled by Grahame Morris MP, remembering the “bravery and sacrifice” of those firefighters who have lost their lives and commending the “selfless dedication” of all firefighters.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
“The sacrifice of our fallen firefighters will not be forgotten. We often remember firefighters with a saying: ‘When all others were running out, they were running in’. It’s that duty of bravery and heroism which drives our noble profession.
“Each day, firefighters risk and in some circumstances sacrifice their lives to save others from danger. The names and memories of our fallen comrades stay with us always, as we hope that no more names join the firefighters’ memorial.”
Memorials to firefighters who lost their lives have been held throughout the year as part of the FBU’s Red Plaque scheme, funded by the Firefighters’ 100 Lottery. The scheme allows firefighters, communities and the family and friends of those lost to pay tribute to fallen heroes, and to provide a place of reflection and memorial for all time.
Last year, the FBU marked its centenary with a “once in a generation” service at Southwark Cathedral. More than 50 wreaths were laid at the Firefighters’ Memorial in memory of fallen firefighters, representing every fire service in the UK.
