Watch Commander prepares to join State Funeral procession
As the nation prepares for the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) continues to pay its respects to the late monarch. Several firefighters and officers were honoured to be invited to attend events proclaiming Charles III as King. This weekend, we will also be in attendance at a number of church and civic services across the West Midlands conurbation, where The Queen’s lifetime of service and duty will be remembered. Phil Loach, WMFS Chief Fire Officer, said: “It is clear that Her Majesty’s death has had a profound effect on many people, including colleagues across West Midlands Fire Service. “This weekend we will be present at a number of church and civic services - not only to honour the late monarch, but to show support for many in our communities who are grieving her passing. “Our firefighters and staff will join the national minute’s silence on Sunday evening, when fire crews will parade outside their fire stations. We will also observe the two-minute silence on Monday, at the end of the State Funeral. “Our flags, which have been flying at half-mast as a mark of respect, will be raised again on Tuesday morning when the national period of mourning draws to a close.”
A small contingent of WMFS staff travelled to London on Thursday (15 Sept) to join the thousands of people filing through Westminster Hall where Her Majesty is lying in state. On Monday, Watch Commander Dave Cross, of Kings Norton fire station, will take his place in the funeral procession, joining colleagues from across the country who have been invited to represent the emergency services. Dave’s involvement is part of long-standing preparations for the State Funeral. He travelled to London on Wednesday and has been taking part in through-the-night rehearsals for Monday’s historic event. Dave said: “I feel immensely proud to be taking part in such an historic and momentous parade. Not only am I aware that I will be representing firefighters and staff at West Midlands Fire Service but also, as one of only 16 firefighters involved, the service nationally. “It is a privilege to be able to serve, in however small a way, one of our country’s longest-serving and most successful monarchs.”
