Family of Firefighter Killed in Arson Incident Receives New Emblem

The family of Fleur Lombard, a firefighter who died in an arson incident almost 30 years ago, is among the initial individuals to receive a newly established emblem. Ms. Lombard, employed by Avon Fire and Rescue, was 21 years old when she lost her life on 4 February 1996, while combating a fire at Leo’s Supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol. As the first woman firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain, she has previously been granted several posthumous distinctions. It was disclosed today that she and her family are among the inaugural recipients of the new Elizabeth Emblem, an award designed to honor public servants who perished while in service. This new award was specifically established to honor the family members of police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who have died during their service. It functions as the civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross, which acknowledges members of the UK Armed Forces who died either in action or due to a terrorist attack. Additionally, Ms. Lombard was posthumously granted the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in 1998, acknowledging her courage. During an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning, Rebecca Lombard-Earl, Ms. Lombard’s sister, recounted that Ms. Lombard had initially aspired to become a lawyer. However, she discovered the prospect of joining the fire service after encountering an article on female firefighters in a women’s magazine. “She just said ‘that’s it, this is what I want to do,'” Ms. Lombard-Earl remembered, further noting that Ms. Lombard initially dedicated herself to becoming a retained firefighter before commencing full-time employment with Avon Fire and Rescue. Ms. Lombard-Earl stated, “She was not fussed about awards, though she seems to be racking them up I have to say – she would think it was a bit silly.” She continued, “However,” adding, “she was a real family person and she would be absolutely thrilled by what this means for all of the recipients and the organisations that employed them, and she would be absolutely thrilled for my parents.” Simon Shilton, Chief Fire Officer for Avon Fire and Rescue Services, commented that the announcement of the award was “particularly poignant” because he had served alongside Ms. Lombard. He remarked, “It’s especially poignant for her family,” and further stated: “Whilst the tragedy of the moment moves on for the fire and rescue service, for Fleur’s family they’ve lived a lifetime of sadness and loss so it’s incredibly important that we keep Fleur’s memory alive and that she’s been recognised with such a prestigious award.” When questioned about the adequacy of awareness regarding the dangers inherent in firefighting, Mr. Shilton responded: “It is a very dangerous profession.” He continued, “Firefighters put themselves at risk every single day to make their communities safer and it’s incredibly important that is understood and recognised, and that tragic events such as Fleur’s passing are continually remembered.”