Warwickshire News Mine

The service for John Averis, Ian Reid, Ashley Stephens, and Darren Yates-Badley will be held at 2pm on Friday 25th January at Coventry Cathedral. The Canon of Coventry Cathedral, Adrian Daffern, will conduct the service. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Brigade Chaplain, The Reverend Canon David Capron and County Fire Officer, William Brown will give Readings and tributes. Soprano singer Catherine Bott will also be performing during the service.

County Fire Officer, William Brown said:
“The memorial service is our final goodbye. It will allow us to collectively celebrate the lives of John, Ian, Ashley and Darren, all of whom were very brave men dedicated to a job they loved.”

The Very Revd John Irvine, Dean of Coventry, said:
“The loss of any life is both sad and traumatic but we cannot begin to know the pain that the families and friends of these four heroes have suffered. The Cathedral Chapter and I are deeply honoured that the Cathedral has been chosen to host this memorial service for John, Ian, Ashley and Darren.”

Rt Revd John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick re the memorial service.
"The memorial service provides a special opportunity for us to say thank you for what our firefighters do. To remember and give thanks for those who tragically lost their lives and to stand alongside and support their families."

Hymns chosen by the families include onward Christian soldiers, the Lord’s my Shepherd, Give me oil in my lamp and Lord of all Hopefullness.

The service in open to residents from across Coventry and Warwickshire. For further details please e-mail Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services, Welfare Support Team at: welfaresupportteam@warwickshire.gov.uk or log onto http://www.warwickshirew.gov.uk/fireandrescue

Link to WCC