THE ambulance technician tragically killed in the A49 in Herefordshire has been described as highly skilled, compassionate and caring by Hereford's mayor.

Jeremy Daw, 66, was killed while responding to a 999 call when a object pierced the windscreen of the ambulance he was travelling in on Saturday.

The ambulance technician, who was just eight shifts away from retirement, was in the passenger seat of the vehicle when it was struck with an object near the business park at Moreton-on-Lugg.

The mayor of Hereford Kath Hey has paid a heartfelt tribute to Mr Daw, known as Jack, who had returned from retirement to help out West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Hereford Times: Jeremy Daw, bottom left, with family membersJeremy Daw, bottom left, with family members

Coun Kath Hey said the "dreadful accident" had "affected a great number of people", including her own family, as her husband personally knew Mr Daw.

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"My husband first worked with 'Jack' at Leominster ambulance station in 2008," Coun Hey said.

"Jack was by then already a vastly experienced paramedic – helping countless numbers of residents of Herefordshire and the wider West Midlands region in their hour of need. Jack was the quintessential paramedic – highly skilled, calm under pressure, compassionate and caring.

"Working in the emergency pre-hospital field for nearly 30 years is testament to Jack’s dedication to helping others.

"Away from his work, James told me that Jack always spoke fondly of his wife Dawn, their children and grandchildren.

"He was very knowledgeable and passionate about Roman history – he had been a member of the Ermine Street Guard and had a photo of himself in full Roman soldier’s uniform which he was very proud of.

"Jack was keen to impart some of his knowledge for my son’s upcoming school class visit to Caerleon amphitheatre and his stories brought the experience to life. That was Jack – always positive, always engaging."

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Coun Hey said Mr Daw's enjoyment of metal detecting was well known as he and Martin Fulloway made an incredible discovery of Roman coins near Kimbolton in 2013.

She remembered reading his account describing their emotions at uncovering the 518 coins, and said it demonstrated how much joy he took from the hobby.

Hereford Times: A West Mercia Police officer at the closure point on the A49 north of HerefordA West Mercia Police officer at the closure point on the A49 north of Hereford

"I had the pleasure to meet Jeremy and Dawn in the Mayor’s parlour at the annual Hereford Guild of Guides lunch," she added.

"His enthusiasm and passion for history was self-evident. I know he was looking forward to his retirement and having more time available to impart his knowledge on visitors to Hereford."

She also recalled his involvment with the restoration of the Credenhill iron milepost.

"I want to pay tribute to all the emergency services involved in the immediate aftermath of the accident and the care they showed Jack in what must have been incredibly challenging circumstances," Coun Hey said.

"They demonstrated professionalism of the highest order.

"Jack’s 'Green Family' at Hereford ambulance hub are a close-knit community and they have been supporting one another through this difficult time.

"I also know that Jack’s colleagues have been greatly supported by The West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust and I thank them for that.

"Words cannot convey the impact of losing Jack. His friends and family can take some small amount of comfort from the outpouring of grief and messages received from around the world in tribute to him. He will be sorely missed."

West Mercia Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash, asking them to call 101.

Officers have ruled out that a stone was intentionally thrown at the ambulance when the crash happened at around 8am on Saturday.

The driver of the ambulance was injured, but he was discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon.