Every day, people who work in fire and rescue services face extraordinary physical and emotional challenges to protect their communities – and they do it with incredible courage and compassion.

Each year, on 4 May, we honour all of them as we mark Firefighters Memorial Day. Today we particularly pause to remember the sacrifice of firefighters whose lives were lost in the line of duty, while thanking and celebrating those serving today.

Sherine Wheeler, our Chief Executive, says:

“On Firefighters’ Memorial Day, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who laid their life upon the line in service of their communities.

“People in the fire service experience things as they protect us that affect them physically, emotionally and socially. The effects can be immediate or can emerge years later. Fire Fighters Charity is proud to be here, always, to help them and their families cope with the impact.”

To mark the day, we will be flying flags at half-mast at all our centres and observing a minute’s silence at midday in remembrance of all fallen firefighters.