A PLAQUE has been unveiled to remember the lives of two firefiighters who lost their lives tackling a huge factory fire in Hereford.

John Davies, aged 34, and David Morris, who was 35, both died fighting the blaze at the Sun Valley site on September 6, 1993. 

To mark the imminent 30th anniversary of that tragic event, and in International Firefighters’ Memorial Month, a memorial service was held to remember the two fallen heroes and to unveil a plaque in their honour in Hereford Cathedral’s Lady Arbour.

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Family members of both Mr Davies and Mr Morris, as well as many of their former colleagues, joined with dignitaries including His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire and the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, the Bishop of Hereford, Councillor Roger Phillips, the vice-chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, and representatives of other fire services.

Jon Pryce, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s (HWFRS) Chief Fire Officer, and members of his senior staff were also in attendance at the cathedral service. 

It was led by the Dean of Hereford The Reverend Canon Sarah Brown alongside HWFRS Chaplain Rev Dick Johnson, while Edward Harley, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, and Robert Robinson, High Sheriff of Herefordshire, read lessons.

Hereford Times: A memorial plaque marking the lives of John Davies and David MorrisA memorial plaque marking the lives of John Davies and David Morris (Image: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service)

“Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has not forgotten David and John and I know we never will,” said CFO Pryce.

After the service, the ceremony continued with the unveiling of the plaque.

An address was given by Ben Selby, assistant general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, and prayers were led by the Bishop of Hereford, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson, and Rev Dick Johnson.

Firefighter Jamie Morris, son of the late David Morris, read For The Fallen by Lawrence Binyon as a bugler sounded the Last Post.

Students from Hereford’s NMiTE University worked alongside the lead craftsmen on the project to create the tribute, designed by Hereford firefighters.