Fleur Lombard (1974 - 1996)
Fleur was the first female firefighter to die on duty in
peacetime Britain.
On Sunday 4 February 1996 AF&RS was called to a fire at Leos
supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol. Fleur, who was serving
at Speedwell Fire Station at the time, was inside the building when
she lost her life while tackling the inferno.
Fleur was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal and
Chief Fire Officer's Commendation in recognition of her
bravery. Two of her colleagues who were with her that day
were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen's Commendation for
Bravery.
The memories of Fleur remain close to the hearts of those in
Avon and a memorial stands to commemorate her life near the site of
the fire in Staple Hill. A keen windsurfer, Fleur's ashes
were interred at St Enodoc Church in Trebetherick, Cornwall, which
overlooks Daymer Bay - a windsurfer's haven.
On graduating in 1994, Fleur received the Silver Axe Award, for
most outstanding recruit on her training school. After
Fleur's tragic death a trust fund was set up as a fitting tribute
to her bravery, courage, dedication and professionalism. The
Fleur Lombard Bursary aims to keep Fleur's values alive, helping
others progress their careers in the fire and rescue
service.