Firefighter honoured in memorial 14 years after tragic death
Ewan Williamson tragically died in the Balmoral Bar blaze in Dalry Road on July 12, 2009
Ewan Williamson was honoured in a memorial service held this morning outside of St Giles’ Cathedral.
The firefighter tragically died in the Balmoral Bar blaze in Dalry Road on July 12, 2009, now renamed Benson’s Bar.
David Dourley, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander, organised the memorial to his former colleague.
He says: “Today we’re here to remember him and this commemoration service is to make sure that his memory isn’t forgotten.”
Ewan was a member of Green Watch at the Tollcross Fire Station and was the first firefighter of the Lothian and Borders Fire Service to die while in duty.
The firefighter entered in the burning building with a colleague, but they got separated due to the smoke.
He then got stuck in the men’s toilet, which was directly below the source of the fire.
By the time Ewan was found by his team, he was lying on the floor.
Following reports concluded he died from injuries from the fire.
At the time, he was on annual leave but offered to do overtime to make up for the shortage of staff.
Commander Dourley said: “He was a lovely guy. Outgoing, friendly, really good fun to be with, always keen to help others as well.
“He was a good firefighter - a safe pair of hands that you wanted with you and in your crew to help you. He was always doing his best to help and protect others.
“A very well-liked person when he was in the service. A lot of retired colleagues came today as well to join us.
“It’s a really good turn out for him today.”
The service had a great attendance with Ewan’s family, friends and firefighter colleagues honouring his life.