Hundreds gathered at the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial at the Living Memorial site in Rettendon on Saturday 9 May for a moving ceremony honouring firefighters and fire control colleagues remembered for their dedication, commitment and service.

The Firefighters Memorial Day Ceremony brought together people from across the UK and overseas for a day of reflection and remembrance, alongside members of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club.

As part of the commemorations, members of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club took part in a memorial procession through Essex, travelling from Rettendon to Grays via Chelmsford, Billericay and Brentwood. The procession paid tribute to fallen colleagues and showed support for the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial.

Among those attending the ceremony were Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Catharine Hutley, The Rt Hon Countess Bathurst representing the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, Mayor of Chelmsford Councillor Janetta Sosin, and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Joel Charles.

Speaking at the ceremony, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Chris Else said: "Firefighters Memorial Day is a time for us all to pause and remember firefighters and fire control colleagues and pay tribute to their service and dedication to the communities they served.

“The firefighting community stands together in times of joy and sorrow, in times of triumph and loss. It supports one another, honours one another and ensures that nobody is ever left behind."

He added: “This memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a place for quiet reflection. Its importance to the fire service community cannot be overstated, and it will continue to stand as a lasting tribute for years to come.”

Opening the ceremony, Ronnie Patterson, President of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club England 4, reflected on the continued development of the memorial and the importance of remembrance.

He said: “At our inaugural event, 2,372 fallen brothers and sisters that gave their lives in service were forever remembered here at this memorial. Since then, nearly 300 more service personnel are also now remembered through our plaque placing ceremonial events. It is our privilege, it is our legacy.

“And we continue going forward. Thanks to the generous donation from the Worshipful Company of Firefighters, we have now completed our roofed structures for our Dennis Rapier Fire Appliance and our ‘Ladder of Ascension’.

“On behalf of myself and my fellow club members, I would like to again thank the generosity and support of the Fire Brigades Union for their significant funding contribution and continued commitment to the memorial project.”

“Also, a special thank you goes out to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for their continued support and logistical assistance helping us to make this day possible.”

The Living Memorial site is home to several memorials dedicated to military and civilian service organisations.

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