This is the book of condolences for Fire Fighter Clifford Cox
who died on duty while fighting the floods in Staines. You can sign the
book at the entrance to Tesco’s superstore, Ashford, Staines.
This edited report is from the article in The Metro;
Clifford
Cox, 53, died at Staines fire station on Saturday night, Surrey Fire and Rescue
Service said.
His next of
kin and family have been informed.
Chief fire
officer Russell Pearson said Mr Cox was part of the station’s Green Watch and
had served as a firefighter in Surrey for nearly 25 years.
In a
statement Mr Pearson declared: ‘We are deeply saddened and upset by this tragic
news and our thoughts are with his family, friends and close colleagues at this
very difficult time.
‘Firefighter
Cox was based at Staines fire station on Green Watch, having served in Surrey
for nearly 25 years. He will be greatly missed by the service and his
colleagues.
‘This is
understandably a very difficult time for all, particularly in light of the
on-going major incident and the demands placed on all staff.’
Mr Cox, who
was known as ‘Biff’, died at around 6pm after collapsing at the fire station,
the Surrey branch of the Fire Brigades Union said.
Colleagues
tried to resuscitate him but were unable to save him.
Richard
Jones, the brigade branch secretary, said: ‘Biff was a lovable character with a
larger than life personality. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by
his colleagues. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.’
This is the tribute at his fire station which is across the road from the store;
Remember, as the government fights to force our firefighters to
work longer hours and retire later that this is high pressure, physical work.
They need our support, just as we needed theirs in the flood.
Neil Harris
(a don’t stop till you drop production)
