Firefighters' tribute to fallen comrades

It was exactly a year before that firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and retired firefighter Brian Wembridge, 63, East Sussex Fire and Rescue's official photographer, were killed in explosions during the blaze which wrecked the Festival Fireworks Uk factory at Marlie Farm, Shortgate, near Lewes.

Brian Wembridge in particular was well-known to colleagues at Bexhill Fire Station where he had attended regularly to film the LIFE courses for young people at the station in addition to covering major fires in the town.

Colleagues at fire stations throughout the county observed two minutes' silence, starting at 2.42pm on Monday.

The fire service said in a statement on Monday: "East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service exists to help make the County of East Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove safer places to live in and work.

"Tragically a year ago today Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker lost their lives in the ultimate act of service.

"Grief does not end with the first anniversary, but it is an important milestone and provides a time for remembrance, reflection and assessment.

"Both Brian and Geoff had long and distinguished careers with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and performed roles in key areas of the Service, which included firefighting, mobilising and gathering training evidence which prevented others from being exposed to unnecessary risks at incidents.

"They were superb ambassadors for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and will never be forgotten.

"During the last year, it has been recognised that despite the loss felt by families, friends and colleagues, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has remained at the forefront of resilience and the communities it serves. The dedication and continued professionalism of everyone within the Service has been fundamental in the continued achievements of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service."

Chief fire officer and chief executive Des Prichard spoke of his pride at the way the service had coped with its loss over the past year and that its priority, as always, was to the families of Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker, as well as the safety of the communities of East Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove.

All aspects of last year's incident at Marlie Farm are still subject to a wide-ranging, detailed and complex investigation, which is being led by the Police and assisted by the Health and Safety Executive, along with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.