Firefighter killed in arson honored

The family of a firefighter who died in an arson attack nearly 30 years ago is among the first people to be honored with a new emblem.

Fleur Lombard, who worked for Avon Fire and Rescue, was just 21 when she died battling a fire at Leo’s supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol, on February 4, 1996.

As the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in peacetime in Britain, she has received a number of posthumous honors.

But today it was announced that she and her family will be among the first recipients of the new Elizabeth emblem, which commemorates civil servants who have died in the line of duty.

The new award has been created specifically to commemorate the family members of police officers, firefighters and other civil servants who have died in the line of duty and is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, awarded to members of the British Armed Forces who died in combat or at the Consequences of a terrorist attack.

In recognition of her bravery, Ms Lombard was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in 1998.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast this morning, Ms Lombard’s sister, Rebecca Lombard-Earl, described how Ms Lombard had originally dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but then accidentally jumped at the opportunity to join the fire service after reading an article in a women’s magazine had read about female firefighters.

“She just said, ‘That’s it, that’s what I want to do,'” Ms. Lombard-Earl recalled, adding that Ms. Lombard initially threw herself into becoming a dedicated firefighter before pursuing a full-time position at Avon Fire and Rescue took part.

“She hasn’t cared about awards, but I have to say she seems to be cashing in on them – she would find it a bit silly,” Ms Lombard-Earl said.

“However,” she added, “she was a real family person and she would be absolutely thrilled for what this meant for all the recipients and the organizations that employed them, and she would be absolutely thrilled for my parents.”

Simon Shilton, chief fire officer of Avon Fire and Rescue Services, said news of the award was “particularly poignant” as he knew Ms Lombard through their shared service.

“It is particularly poignant for her family,” he said, adding: “While the tragedy of the moment continues for the fire and rescue service, Fleur’s family have experienced a lifetime of grief and loss, so it is incredibly important that we support them “Fleur’s memory is alive and she has been recognized with such a prestigious award.”

Asked whether he thought there was enough awareness of the risks associated with firefighting, Mr Shilton said: “It’s a very dangerous job.”

“Firefighters put themselves at risk every day to make their communities safer and it is incredibly important that this is understood and recognized and that tragic events like Fleur’s death are constantly remembered.”