Moving tributes to dedicated fireman

8:25am Wednesday 20th December 2006

The family of a retired fire officer killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory yesterday paid tribute to a "man of honour" at his funeral.

More than a thousand mourners gathered to pay their respects to dedicated support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, who was killed alongside retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, in the blast at Festival Fireworks UK in Shortgate, near Lewes, on December 3.

The married father-of-two's coffin was carried on a turntable-ladder fire engine from Crowborough Fire Station to All Saints Church in the town. It was followed by a fire engine in which the officer in charge's seat was empty, a sign that one of the team had been lost.

Colleagues from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and members of other fire services from across the UK lined the road outside the church as the coffin, draped in a Union flag and with a fireman's helmet on top, passed through a guard of honour.

During the service tributes were led by Bruce Hoad, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, and George Hammond, a retired senior officer from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who worked alongside Mr Wembridge during part of his 45-year career.

Crowborough came to a standstill as the coffin made its way to the church.

Fire officers from across the country lined the streets to pay their respects to their fallen colleague.

Pall bearers from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service took the coffin through the guard of honour at the church gates and made their way slowly into the church.

Hundreds packed the church, and hundreds more gathered in the cold and mist on the village green where a big screen broadcast the service.

East Sussex's Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard read out emotional tributes from Mr Wembridge's family.

His son Mark called his father "an inspiration".

He said: "I am glad to have been able to know Brian as a great friend as well as a dad.

"I got to know him for the person he was, kind, caring, enthusiastic, open-minded, funny, always looking for the best in people."

His other son Chris wrote a poem for his father.

He called his father "a man of honour and pride".

Wife Lesley, who was married to Brian for 34 years, said: "How do I begin to express how life will be without you?

"I will miss your smile, unquestioning support, your love and kindness, your understanding ... and your strong arms around me protecting me, making me feel secure."

Tributes were also paid by Mr Wembridge's colleagues.

Mr Hoad said: "He was always there at the heart of everything.

"Brian had three stock phrases, Coffee boss?' How can I help?' and Leave it to me pal'.

"Anything you asked him to do, it was done. You never asked twice.

"Brian was a consummate professional."

He said he would always be indebted to Mr Wembridge because he was responsible for him joining the Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Hammond said: "He was one of the originals. Mr Dependable, Mr Trustworthy ... but he did have one fault, he didn't know how to say no."

He recalled something Mr Wembridge had once said to him: " There's no danger in it because we are all so well trained'.

"Everybody in the room would probably agree with that, we believe we are immortal because of the training we get."

Mr Wembridge's coffin was carried out of the church as These Are the Days of Our Lives by Queen boomed across the green.

There followed a private service at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium.

Mr Wicker's funeral will be held at Mayfield Parish Church, Mayfield, on Thursday at 2pm.

See www.theargus.co.uk for a video report of the funeral.

To see our video of the funeral, click here

Leave a message in our online book of condonlence dedicated to the two men who died in the firework depot blaze, click here

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