Fire service celebrates departed colleague

A FIRE engine led the funeral procession of a firefighter who served his community for two decades.

John Breckin, of Bramley, was stationed at Rotherham, at both the old and new stations, as well as Maltby and Edlington during his service.

He died on June 24, aged 59, three weeks after going into hospital with coronavirus.

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John’s son, Johnathon, said his father had always wanted to be buried in his dress uniform.

He said he had contacted South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to arrange this and they had offered to send a fire engine to the house to lead his funeral procession (right).

The procession went past Rotherham Station where the watch on duty formed a guard of honour.

Johnathon said the fire service had gone above and beyond to honour his father.

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John joined the fire service on September 15, 1980, and served at stations around South Yorkshire, sometimes as an acting lead firefighter.

Johnathon said his father had always wanted to be a firefighter and it was something he had been proud of.

John, who was known as “Jabber” in the fire service, worked for about 20 years before having to retire early due to ill health.

Johnathon said: “He was a family man and he was very proud to be a fireman.

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“When he was still serving we went to Florida and my mum arranged for him to spend the day with the Orlando fire service.

“They always have that camaraderie with each other because they see things and do things that people in other services don’t deal with.

“They are a family, regardless of whether they are still serving or retired.”

John leaves his wife Angela, father Raymond, sister Debrah and her husband Dave, and nieces Emma and Rachael.

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