A MINUTE'S silence was held at midday today (Thursday, May 4) in order to mark Firefighters' Memorial Day.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service took a moment to pause and remember the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Serving and retired personnel formed a parade at their local fire station or fire and rescue premises.

For local staff, the day acts as an opportunity to pay tribute to firefighter Fleur Lombard. On Thursday, February 4 in 1996, Avon Fire Brigade was called to a serious fire in Leo's supermarket in the Staple Hill Area.

21-year-old Fleur, who was one of eight women employed by the force, sadly lost her life. Her body was found just yards from the exit.

Fleur's passing was instrumental in setting up The Fleur Lombard Fund, which is in place to encourage fire service staff to travel to other fire services.

Sam Cooper is just one of the young firefighters who had the opportunity to travel. 

In 2017, Sam applied for the financial support to learn more about vertical ventilation and high rise tactics with both Chicago Fire Department and New York City Fire Department.

He said: “From day one on station I was involved in incidents and from here they came thick and fast.

“To put it into context, 7,000 runs a year is considered slow here.

“The first incident I attended was a large warehouse fire and on the very same day I attended a fully involved house fire.

“This was the first time I got to witness the vertical ventilation tactics which I’d come here to learn about in action.

“What struck me when attending the incidents was the large number of resources they have available very quickly.

“It also reinforced some of the techniques we use at Avon Fire and Rescue Service which were also widely practiced by the Chicago crews.

“This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an amazing way to pay tribute to the legacy of Fleur Lombard."

To apply to the bursary, an application form needs to be completed. These can be submitted any time of the year.