Firefighter’s Memorial Day service

Cheshire firefighters and Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members will be supporting International Firefighter’s Memorial Day on May 4 and will be marking the event with a church service and a minutes silence outside fire stations.

The free service will take place at Chester Cathedral at 11.30am. Canon Jeremy Dussek will lead the congregation and members of the public are invited to attend. Following a short service a minutes silence will take place at 12 noon to honour firefighters across the world who have sacrificed their lives to save others.  

Firefighters and FBU union members from across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington will also join in this reflection at midday, observing a minute’s silence at their respective place of work, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service staff will also join in this memorial.

International Firefighters’ Memorial Day  is a time where the world’s community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters and FBU members make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Gus O’Rourke said: “The service is open for anyone to attend and pay their respects to firefighters across the world. It is intended to be a special time where people, from all walks of life, can stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters, who dedicate their lives to the protection on life and property. 

“Cheshire firefighters and union members will be remembering brothers and sisters from the fire and rescue service family, who sadly lost their lives while serving their communities, with a minute’s silence.”

A modern and a vintage fire engine will be outside the Cathedral for the service and Fire Authority members, local dignitaries, retired firefighters, their families and the local community are also being asked to attend to pay their respects.

Cheshire FBU chair John West said: “I would like to thank Cheshire Fire Authority and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of the FBU for their support and co-operation on this special day. Also thanks to Canon Jeremy Dussek for giving his time to do this service.”

For more information about the day please visit the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk