Staff from across Avon Fire and Rescue Service have been paying tribute to former Chief Fire Officer, Andrew Walters, who passed away recently.

Andrew, who was Chief Fire Officer when Avon Fire Brigade became Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS), was 67 and had been battling a long illness.

He originally joined Worcester Fire Brigade in 1968 and rose through the ranks to become Station Officer. He served with the Avon Fire Brigade from 1978 when he joined as Communications Officer. In 1992 he became Chief Fire Officer, a post he held until his retirement in 1996.

Chief Fire Officer, Kevin Pearson, said: "Andrew was Chief Fire Officer when I joined AF&RS in 1994 and will be sadly missed. He showed great leadership and achieved much throughout his career, including developing a new Command and Control Centre for Avon which was opened by HRH Princess Anne.

"He also took on the role of Staff Officer to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services; was recognised as an officer with potential and received the Queen's Fire Service Medal from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 1996.

"I would like to pass on my condolences to Andrew's family at this difficult time."

Andrew's funeral took place at St Peter's Church in Frampton Cottrell where his coffin arrived on a turntable ladder. Representatives from across AF&RS attended the service.

Andrew is survived by his widow Sue, his son Matthew and two young grandchildren.

 

Posted June 22nd, 2012 at 1205 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com