Calls disrupt firefighters tribute

FIREFIGHTERS at Hollins Community Fire Station pay tribute

FIREFIGHTERS at Hollins Fire Station were determined to pay their respects to fallen colleagues ­- despite having to rush to the call of duty.

They were due to hold a memorial parade yesterday for the first annual Firefighters' Memorial Day.

But as the clock struck noon for the solemn service they were called out to a lorry on fire on the M60 clockwise close to Junction 22, Hollinwood.

One lane of the motorway was closed but reopened 30 minutes later after the firefighters tackled the blaze.

They returned to their fire station to hold the poignant tribute before having to dash off the second it was over, this time to fight a grass fire.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU), in association with the Firefighters Memorial Trust charity, organised the national memorial day to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Since records began 2,486 firefighters have died whilst on duty serving their communities and keeping people safe.

Susan Veevers, mother of the late Manchester firefighter Stephen Hunt who died on duty in 2013, said: "Families like ours who have suffered these terrible bereavements welcome the introduction of an annual memorial day for their loved ones.

"Stephen and all the other firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty deserve to be remembered and respected formally."

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary and a former firefighter, said: "We hope this day will bring comfort and strength to the families and loved ones of those who have lost."