Fire Brigade honours east London colleagues’ bravery during fatal fire
Fire fighters from across east London stations received commendations for their bravery during the incident in Bethnal Green Road in 2004. They are accompanied by Summer Sharland who accepted a commendation for her father Jay Sharland who has since died Picture: Aubrey Wade - Credit: Aubrey Wade
Firefighters and officers from east London received commendations for their bravery during a blaze in which two of their colleagues died after sustaining serious injuries.
The fire happened in Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green ten years ago and resulted in the deaths of firefighters Adam Meere, 27 and Bill Faust, 36.
Crews were called to a serious fire at a shop with flats above it on July 20. Conditions at the scene were very difficult due to the layout of the building, lack of visibility and intense heat. The two firefighters were trapped in the building and despite the worsening conditions, they were found by colleagues who carried them out.
Both died from their injuries and the Fire Brigade has now awarded 10 firefighters with commendations for their acts of bravery during the blaze.
The incident in 2004 led to a long investigation and a coroner’s inquest. The Brigade felt it was fitting to award these commendations close to the tenth anniversaries of the death of the two firefighters.
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Ron Dobson, London Fire Brigade Commissioner, said: “Ten years ago firefighters Bill Faust and Adam Meere paid the ultimate price for ensuring the safety of Londoners. Bill and Adam were much loved and respected, they are greatly missed but they will never be forgotten. Today we commend the actions of their colleagues. Their bravery and professionalism remind us of the commitment demonstrated every day by London’s firefighters.”
Crew Manager Damian Magee, 42, received a Commissioner’s Commendation for his bravery.
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Crew Managers Craig Fenner, 32, and Ian Thornton, 48, and firefighters Richard Harris, 43, Dean Hughes, 42, Tony Lovell, 50, Simon Piccirillo, 33, Jon Summers, 53, all received Assistant Commissioner’s Commendations for their actions at the incident. Firefighter Jay Sharland, who was also at the incident, has since died, and he received a posthumous award. His daughter received the commendation on his behalf.
Watch Manager Jon Scott from Shadwell, 51, was not at the incident. However, he received an Assistant Commissioner’s award in recognition for all his efforts over the last 10 years on behalf of those involved and the families of Bill Faust and Adam Meere. This includes organising an annual event in memory of his colleagues who died.
