Essex firefighter was "a true friend and a valued colleague"
Tributes have been paid to Aston Everett
Firefighters are trying to raise £32,000 - to support the family of one of their colleagues, who passed away last week.
Aston Everett (PIC: Second from right) left his wife and three children and went out to work like any other day - but he wasn't going to come home.
He was on-call in Lexden on Saturday 2nd January when he collapsed.
Despite the efforts of the firefighters on duty, the paramedics who responded, the hospital staff and specialists at two hospitals, Aston passed away on Tuesday 5 January.
“The dedication he showed to his role and his community shone through"
Aston had been a firefighter at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for 16 years, serving at Chelmsford Fire Station, Clacton Fire Station, Dovercourt Fire Station and most recently, USAR.
Aston was known for his high standards, principles and dedication.
Jo Turton, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, said:
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the loss of Firefighter Aston Everett.
“He was a true friend and valued colleague to so many, as well as a dedicated and brilliant firefighter.
“The dedication he showed to his role and his community shone through and I hope anyone who knew him can take comfort in the difference he made to so many during his life.
“Our thoughts remain with Aston’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time and we will continue to support them in any way that we can.”
Can you help Aston's family?
Aston leaves behind his wife and three children, and anyone who knew Aston knew the love and support he showed to his family, and the pride he took in taking care of them.
In recognition of this his friend and colleague, Watch Manager Ben Turner, has set up a Just Giving page.
Watch Manager Turner said:
“Having completed 16 years of service, Aston was soon to become eligible to retire and collect his pension.
“Even in the last few months, knowing that retirement was approaching Aston was still setting himself professional challenges, never wanting to take his foot off the accelerator.
“We are looking to collect enough money to support his family, to ensure that his children don't go without, to remove the financial burden and enable the family to grieve their loss. The target we have set (£32000) is the equivalent to a Firefighters annual salary.”