Firefighters’ Memorial Day marked by firefighters

Firefighters’ Memorial Day was marked with a minute’s silence by firefighters around the country at midday on 4 May.

Firefighters’ Memorial Day falls on 4 May every year, and honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Over 2,300 such deaths are recorded by the Firefighters’ Memorial Trust.  

The minute’s silence took place on the forecourts of fire stations and other fire and rescue service workplaces, with many of the UK’s circa 54,000 fire and rescue service employees participating.

Members of the community, local politicians and families of fallen firefighters were also in attendance at the minute’s silences around the country.

The Fire Brigades Union and Firefighters’ Memorial Trust laid a wreath at the National Firefighters’ Memorial by St Paul’s Cathedral in London, with the union’s general secretary Matt Wrack, president Ian Murray and Fire Brigades Union members all present. 

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: ‘This is a huge moment of unity for us all as we come together to remember the courage and sacrifice of fallen firefighters. We must make sure the firefighters who died protecting their communities are remembered and honoured. As a union representing firefighters across the UK, we are proud to commemorate those have who come before us and to recognise their sacrifice and their contribution to the safety of people in our communities.’

An Early Day Motion for Firefighters’ Memorial Day has been tabled in Parliament, and at the time of writing has been signed by 16 MPs.