Tributes to Hereford firefighter (From Hereford Times)

Tributes to Hereford firefighter

12:01pm Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in Hereford City By Paul Rogers

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has paid tribute to Watch Commander Chris Hobbs who passed away suddenly on Saturday.

Mr Hobbs, aged 48, was a Watch Commander on the Retained Duty System at Hereford, working out of the fire station in St Owen Street throughout his 20-year career with the Service.

He joined as a retained firefighter in July 1991, progressed to Crew Commander in 2001 and then achieved promotion to Watch Commander last September.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates said: “I know I speak for everyone when I say that Chris’s death has caused shock and sadness across the Service. He was a very popular officer at Hereford Fire Station, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“Our thoughts are with Chris’s loved ones and friends, and the Service will continue to offer its full support to them at this most difficult time.”

Mr Hobbs was also known in the local footballing community and played for and managed Holme Lacy.