Today, Firefighter Barry Martin was laid to rest following a service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. Hundreds of firefighters and members of the public lined the streets. FBU reps and officials attended the service to pay their respects.
Barry Martin died on Friday 27th January following injuries sustained at a large fire in Edinburgh on Monday 23rd January.
In a statement shortly after the service, FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said:
Today, we mourned the loss of Barry Martin.
Above all, this is a moment for those who loved Barry and knew him well. For his wife and his children, for the rest of his family, for his friends, and for all those who worked with him – at McDonald Road Station and beyond.
I am deeply proud that Barry was a member of the Fire Brigades Union, and I say that on behalf of every one of our members across the UK.
Barry was a dedicated, brave and dutiful in his work, and was a well-liked and popular colleague. The number of firefighters on the streets today is a witness to that fact and to the solidarity which exists within our profession.
His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers that firefighters may have to face to save lives and protect others.
Sacrifice is a word that can sound abstract. For many of the people present today, it is, tragically, very real.
As a union, we honour Barry’s sacrifice. We honour his dedication, his comradeship and selflessness.
We extend our thoughts and condolences to his loved ones, and we will be on hand to provide support to them in the months and years ahead.”
