Flags to fly half mast to remember firefighter from Amesbury

Dean Hardy died suddenly at his home on Friday (August 18)

Firefighter Dean Hardy
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 20th Aug 2023

Across the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service area, flags are to fly at half mask from 8am today (20 August) to remember firefighter Dean Hardy, who passed away suddenly earlier this week.

The service confirmed the sad news yesterday, saying the 'dedicated and highly valued' firefighter, who was based at Amesbury Fire Station, died on Friday at his home.

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 18 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.

He joined Dorset and 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."

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