Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

N/A at 08/09/2002 15:30

The Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’ Association
“The Professional Voice of the UK Fire Service”


Sunday 8th September 2002 at 3.30pm (1430 GMT)

Following the events of 11th September 2001 when 343 firefighters lost their lives in New York and in memory of firefighters the world over who have also lost their lives, it has been decided to pay respect to firefighters killed on duty on Sunday 8th September 2002 at 3.30pm (1430 GMT). The commemoration in the UK will be in the form of a one-minute silence and it is hoped that people all over the UK will participate in this silent tribute. The laying of wreaths at appropriate locations will follow this tribute.

The focal point for the commemoration in the UK will be a service of remembrance conducted in St. Giles’ Church in London by the Firefighters’ Memorial Charitable Trust (FMCT), the patron of which is Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. Many Government officials, fire professionals, both serving and retired, together with families and friends of lost firefighters will attend this service.

Chief Fire Officer, Mick Howell, CACFOA Co-ordinator, Cornwall Fire Brigade said

“The Firefighters’ Memorial Charitable Trust has been at the forefront of commemorating the loss of firefighters killed in the United Kingdom since 1991. The memorial that now stands in London and the annual service, also conducted in London, is testimony to its marvellous work. I am delighted that this year the Trust has allowed the event to be the focal point for commemorating International Firefighters’ Day of Remembrance for the first time. With the Trust’s co-operation and the excellent work being carried out by the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund (FSNBF), I believe a fitting tribute will be made, certainly in the UK and hopefully the world over”.

Jeff Ord, President of CACFOA, Firemaster, Strathclyde Fire Brigade said

“Clearly the events in New York and Washington last year have moved people the world over. The sympathy, kindness and generosity shown to the victims, by the public, particularly the firefighters, was truly remarkable. The work to create an international event such as this by our Association, the Benevolent Fund and the Trust, has been a response to this public reaction the world over. I hope people throughout the UK and indeed beyond, will join with us in this commemoration.”