Remembering Fleur Lombard 30 years on

To mark the 30-year anniversary of Fleur Lombard’s loss in action, Avon Fire and Rescue and the Fire Brigades Union commemorated Fleur with a Red Plaque to honour fallen firefighters. 

The plaque was unveiled by the Fire Brigades Union on Wednesday, 4th February at Kingswood Fire Station. A short memorial ceremony was held at her memorial on Broad Street, Staple Hill on the same day. The ceremony commenced at 1pm, which will include speeches, followed by a minute’s silence at 1:04pm, the recognised time of Fleur’s loss. 

Fleur was just 21 when she died whilst fighting a serious fire in Leo’s supermarket in the Staple Hill area. She was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM) and Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation in recognition of her bravery. 

In 2024, Fleur’s legacy was honoured in a new and special way. She was recognised with the newly established ‘Elizabeth Emblem,’ which commemorates public servants who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. This emblem was presented by His Majesty the King, to Fleur’s family, further acknowledging her ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. 

The Red Plaque is led by the Fire Brigades Union and serves as a lasting tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives protecting their communities. The plaque at Kingswood Fire Station will stand as a permanent reminder of Fleur’s bravery, dedication and the profound and lasting impact she has had on the fire and rescue community. 

Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook said: 
“The loss of Fleur Lombard is still profoundly felt across Avon Fire & Rescue Service and the wider community that she served with such dedication. The unveiling of this Red Plaque is a meaningful and lasting way to honour her bravery and the ultimate sacrifice she made in the line of duty”.

“Firefighters put themselves in danger every day to protect others. This plaque ensures Fleur’s courage, professionalism, and legacy continue to inspire our Service and future generations of firefighters.” 

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