The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has posted a £1,000 reward for information leading to the return of an iPod that was stolen from the daughter of late firefighter Alan Bannon.
Abi Bannon was devastated after the blue iPod Nano – which she describes as a musical hug from her father – was stolen from the family car a fortnight ago. She has listened to the music on her late father’s iPod every day since he died whilst tackling a blaze in 2010.
Since news of the robbery broke, the local community and well-wishers have rallied to the family’s side offering money and vouchers so Abi can get a replacement iPod. However, all the family want is to get the original iPod back.
Alan’s widow Charlotte Bannon said: “We’ve been completely overwhelmed with support from the public but we would just like to get the original iPod back for Abi. She has been really upset ever since it was stolen. It holds so many memories for her. Hopefully, with the incentive offered by the FBU, someone will now come forward with information that will help her get it back.”
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Alan Bannon spent a career keeping people safe, being there for them when they were going through the worst day of their life. When others were running away from fires, Alan was running toward them.
“His family paid the heaviest price when they lost Alan and the iPod serves as a daily comfort to his daughter Abi. Nothing can ever replace it. That’s why the FBU has offered the £1,000 reward for any information leading to its return. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.
“Camaraderie within the fire service runs deep. Every firefighter is aware of the risks they face on the job. But they also know if the worst were to happen, their colleagues would look after their family. The Fire Brigades Union never forgets.”
Alan Bannon died in April 2010 alongside his colleague Jim Shears whilst they were tackling a fire in Shirley Towers, Hampshire.
The 4th generation blue iPod Nano was stolen from the family car whilst it was parked on their driveway in Little Lance’s Hill, Bitterne, in Southampton on Wednesday 25 January between 9.15pm and 10pm.
