FIRE Magazine
Blue Sky Offices Shoreham
25 Cecil Pashley Way
Shoreham-by-Sea
West Sussex
BN43 5FF
Essex Honours Fallen Fire Service Personnel And First Anniversary of National Fire Service Memorial with Commemorative Ceremony on Firefighters’ Memorial Day
On Saturday 4 May 2025, Firefighters’ Memorial Day, a moving ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial was held at the Living Memorial complex in Rettendon, Essex.
Dozens of members of the public, dignitaries, and senior fire service colleagues gathered to honour the sacrifice of fire service personnel who died either in the line of duty or as a result of their service. The memorial, which opened on 4 May 2024, was the first in Britain to commemorate both on-duty fatalities and those who passed away after service due to illness or trauma.
The commemoration began with opening remarks by Ronnie Patterson, President of Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club England 4 chapter who serve as custodians of the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial, followed by a moving performance from piper Tom Randall. Reverend Jackie Turner led prayers and a dedication before the official plaque-placing ceremony, during which new names were inscribed and the ceremonial bell was rung. A plaque for HM King Edward VII, a keen amateur firefighter and patron of fire services during his reign, was placed on the Memorial wall.
High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Craig McLellan were among those who laid wreaths.
Ronnie Patterson said: “One year on, this memorial remains a powerful and inclusive tribute to every member of the fire service who paid the ultimate price, whether on duty or after service. Today’s gathering has renewed our promise to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
Since its inauguration, the memorial wall has welcomed over one hundred additional names through ongoing plaque-placing ceremonies. The site—comprising a remembrance garden, inscribed wall, and display building—is open to visitors year-round, and sits within the grounds of the Living Memorial alongside memorials to other service branches, military and civilian.
