Plaque unveiled for firefighter who died in the line of duty
The plaque honours John Ogden who died in 1996
A plaque is being unveiled today in honour of Manchester firefighter John Ogden who died in the line of duty 26 years ago.
John Ogden was a father of two who died after sustaining injuries falling from a fire engine, which was on its way to attend a car fire.
An inquest into the incident found the locking mechanism on the then-new fire engine appeared to have shut but had not.
The plaque unveiling falls close to the anniversary of when the firefighter sustained his injuries - 15 May 1996.
It has been placed on a prominent building at the junction of Slade Lane and Stockport Road in Manchester, which close to where the incident took place.
The unveiling will take place at the junction of Slade Lane and Stockport Road at 2pm.
A ceremony at Gorton Monastery is to follow at 2.30pm.
This plaque has been created and placed by The Red Plaque scheme - an organisation funded by Firefighter 100 lottery and administered by the Fire Brigades Union that aims to raise money for good causes related to the fire and rescues service.
Matthew Fryer, Greater Manchester Fire Brigades Union brigade organiser had this to say:
“John Ogden was a well-loved colleague and friend. His passing is remembered and known about amongst our firefighting community in Manchester, but this plaque will ensure that the local community does not forget what he gave.
"Manchester’s firefighters have a close relationship with the community and we hope that this will only further help the people of Manchester understand the sacrifices firefighters make and in particular John Ogden’s story.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary stated on this memorial plaque:
“Every day firefighters go to work and may risk everything to help others. John was no different, and it is vital that we remember him.
This plaque will be prominent in the local community and will ensure that John Ogden, and all firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty, are never forgotten.
It is only through funds raised by the Firefighters 100 lottery that the Red Plaque scheme can commemorate these firefighters, with so far 32 plaques unveiled across the UK.”