The first memorial plaque to honour the lives of firefighters who were killed in the line of duty will be unveiled in East London tomorrow (December 1). This important first memorial, which will honour the lives of firefighters Billy Faust and Adam Meere who died in 2004, is part of a series to be funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery.
The series is being named The Red Plaque Scheme – the Fire Brigades Union’s (FBU) version of the famous Blue Plaque Scheme that marks where famous people have resided, to commemorate those who have been killed on duty.
The FBUs good causes lottery, launched one year ago, will fund a number of other memorial plaques around the UK in the coming months. The Firefighters 100 Lottery will benefit a whole range of good causes.
Dave Faust, father of Billy, will be attending the ceremony. He said: “Our entire family was devastated when we lost Billy - no parent should ever have to bury their child. We take solace that Billy, along with his colleague Adam, will be commemorated at this unique event which would not be possible without the support from the Firefighters 100 Lottery. It means a lot to the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty that their sacrifices are not forgotten.”
Billy and Adam lost their lives whilst tackling a fire in the basement of a three storey building on Bethnal Green Road in 2004. The red plaque is being unveiled on a plinth at Museum Gardens, a short distance from the scene of the fire.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The FBU started the Firefighters 100 Lottery in part so that we could fund important initiatives like this that help to commemorate and honour our fallen firefighters. We hope our Red Plaque Scheme will become instantly recognisable as we unveil further memorials across the country over the coming years.”
The Red Plaque Scheme is being funded entirely from funds raised by the Firefighters 100 Lottery. Purchase tickets at www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk
The Billy Faust and Adam Meere memorial will be unveiled at Museum Gardens, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA at 14:00 on Friday, 1 December 2017.
