HEREFORD paid its final respects to ambulance technician Jeremy Daw, who died last month while on duty in a crash on the A49.

West Midlands Ambulance personnel were amongst the mourners who gathered at Hereford Crematorium this afternoon ahead of his funeral.

In a tweet the service said: "We joined family, friends and the community to pay our respects and say farewell to Hereford technician Jeremy 'Jack' Daw today.

"Jack had almost 30 years service caring for others and was a much loved member of our @OFFICIALWMAS family. Rest in peace."

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Dozens of people and ambulance personnel took time to pay their respects to Mr Daw.

People of all ages lined the route into Hereford Crematorium socially distanced and stood in silence as the hearse slowly moved forward.

Hereford Times: Ambulance service colleagues join family and friends and paying their respects to Herefordshire’s Jeremy ‘Jack’ Daw, killed responding to a 999 call. Main picture: West Midlands Ambulance ServiceAmbulance service colleagues join family and friends and paying their respects to Herefordshire’s Jeremy ‘Jack’ Daw, killed responding to a 999 call. Main picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

A notice was placed in the Hereford Times ahead of the funeral. It said: "Jeremy Allen Daw. Passed away suddenly on April 24th 2021, aged 66 years.

"Loving Husband to Dawn, Caring father and Grandfather.

"Jeremy will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.

"Funeral service to take place at Hereford Crematorium strictly invitation only on May 18th, 2021 at 1.15pm.

"Bright colours to be worn please. No flowers, and donations will be received for Leominster Meeting Centre to aid with their support for those with dementia and their carers."

Hereford Times:

Mr Daw was killed when an object pierced his vehicle’s windscreen on a 999 call-out in Herefordshire.

The 66-year-old, who was in the front passenger seat at the time, had only returned to the West Midlands Ambulance Service in January this year, having retired as a paramedic in November 2020.

He had returned to work to help out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Daw, who has been described as a “remarkable character” and “one of life’s good guys”, died at the scene while his paramedic crewmate – who was driving the vehicle – was also injured.

Hereford Times: Ambulance service colleagues pay their respects to Herefordshire’s Jeremy ‘Jack’ Daw, killed responding to a 999 call. Picture: West Midlands Ambulance ServiceAmbulance service colleagues pay their respects to Herefordshire’s Jeremy ‘Jack’ Daw, killed responding to a 999 call. Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service

West Mercia Police said they were “satisfied” that the incident was not the result of a “deliberate act”.

After the tragedy NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said Mr Daw “represented the best” of the health service.

He said in a statement: “After almost three decades’ service, he returned to the frontline from a well-earned retirement to help patients during the coronavirus pandemic, and served as a mentor to younger colleagues.

“On behalf of everyone across the NHS, our heartfelt condolences go to Jeremy’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Hereford Times: A poignant tribute to ambulance technician Jeremy 'Jack' Daw, who was killed in a road crash while responding to a 999 call. Picture: West Midlands Ambulance ServiceA poignant tribute to ambulance technician Jeremy 'Jack' Daw, who was killed in a road crash while responding to a 999 call. Picture: West Midlands Ambulance Service