Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack says the deaths of four firefighters in Warwickshire has echoed in fire services around the world. The comments were made as the service and the community prepared for the funeral of Darren Yates-Badley on 7 December.

The funerals of John Averis, Ian Reid and Ashley Stephens have been taking place since 30 November.  Matt Wrack and representatives of the Fire Brigades Union have attended all the funerals so far and will attend the funeral of Darren Yates-Badley.

Matt Wrack said: “The deaths of John, Ian, Ashley and Darren in the line of duty has been a terrible blow to their families and colleagues. They are also a great loss to the communities which they served with pride and conviction.

“Their deaths have touched our colleagues in other fire services. Messages of support have come from serving firefighters and their unions from every continent.

“Those firefighters may express their grief and sadness in different languages and with different gestures. What unites us is knowledge of the risks and dangers inherent in firefighting.

“These are the risks and dangers faced by all firefighters in all communities and all countries. Because of this, the deaths in Warwickshire have resonated in fire stations across the world.

“The families of John, Ian, Ashley and Darren are united in their grief and sadness. In the fire service we also think of ourselves as a family and we are also united in that grief and sadness.”

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Contact:

Duncan Milligan 07736 818100