Flags to be flown at half-mast following the death of Amesbury firefighter

Sunday, 20 August 2023 01:00

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have announced the death of one of their firefighters, Dean Hardy.

Dean had served at Amesbury Fire Station before passing away at home on Friday (18th August).

The service cancelled the Amesbury First Station open day as a mark of respect and will also flags are being flown at half-mast.

In a statement, CFO Ben Ansell said, "It is with great sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, the sudden passing of one of our colleagues. Firefighter Dean Hardy from Amesbury fire station passed away on Friday, 18th August, at his home.

"I speak on behalf of the entire Service when I say that we are all shocked and saddened by this news, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.

"Dean joined Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in March 2023 and was a dedicated and highly valued member of our Service. He brought with him significant experience from his primary employment as an MoD firefighter.

"In remembrance and as a mark of respect, our Union flags (Service standard at SHQ) are be flown at half-mast, at all workplaces that have them, from 08:00 Sunday 20 August until 08:00 on Thursday 24 August (the day after Amesbury’s weekly drill night), when they will return to full mast.

"This picture of Dean is one chosen by his family."

A fundraiser has been set up to help raise money to cover funeral costs. You can donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/DeanHardy?utm_term=2QYaG4d77

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