News / Fleur Lombard
Late firefighter becomes first from Bristol to receive new national honour
A brave firefighter who tragically lost her life in a 1996 fire is being posthumously awarded a national honour for her sacrifice.
Just two years after she first started working for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Fleur Lombard responded to reports of a blaze at a supermarket in Staple Hill.
Unfortunately while attempting to tackle the fire, she lost her life and became the first female firefighter in peacetime Britain to lose their life in line of duty.
Twenty-eight years later, Lombard is being honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem that was introduced in March as a recognition for those who had lost their lives undertaking an eligible public service.
A memorial has been set up in Staple Hill to honour Lombard’s sacrifice – photo: Ellie Pipe
Lombard will be the first Bristolian to be bestowed with the honour, which also includes a pin for the next of kin of the deceased to wear.
Chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: “The loss of Fleur Lombard remains deeply felt within Avon Fire & Rescue Service and within the community she served so selflessly.
“The introduction of the Elizabeth Emblem is a profound and fitting way to honour those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in public service.
“While we hope for no one to never face such a loss again, it is our duty to remember and to express our deep gratitude.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every single day to protect their communities.
“Seeing Fleur’s family receive the Elizabeth Emblem is a significant tribute to her courage and commitment, enshrining her legacy within the history of our Service and our nation.”
We remember firefighter Fleur Lombard, who lost her life in a supermarket fire in 1996. pic.twitter.com/OQs7CQkCik
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) February 5, 2024
The Elizabeth Emblem is a civilian counterpart of the Elizabeth Cross that honours members of the armed forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Lombard’s memory continues to live on with an annual commemorative event taking place at a memorial to her in Staple Hill.
Main photo: Avon Fire & Rescue
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