Firefighters’ Memorial Day marked by firefighters

Firefighters’ Memorial Day is being marked with a minute’s silence by firefighters around the country  at midday today (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 will take 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 may also be in  attendance at the minute’s silences around the country.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said:

“This 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.”

The Fire Brigades Union and Firefighters’ Memorial Trust are laying 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 set to be present.

An Early Day Motion for Firefighters’ Memorial Day has been tabled in Parliament, and at the time of  writing (29.04.22) has been signed by 16 MPs.

For more information, interviews, or comment please contact Ben Duncan-Duggal on ben.duncan duggal@fbu.org.uk.

There will be minute’s silences happening around the country, and local spokespeople will be able to  give interviews. If you are interested in attending a local minute’s silence please do ask.