A new Red Plaque has been unveiled in Leicestershire in tribute to Michael “Mick” Bird, a firefighter who died on route to an emergency in 2006.
The Red Plaque project, run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, commemorates firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Picture credit: Leicestershire FBU
The plaque is located at Shepshed fire station, Loughborough, where Mick served as a retained firefighter for 21 years. He died as a result of a medical emergency while in a fire engine responding to an incident on 24 September, nineteen years ago.
The ceremony was attended by Mick’s family, friends, former colleagues and FBU representatives, who paid tribute to his memory and his service to the community.
Picture credit: Leicestershire FBU
Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: “Through the Red Plaque scheme, the Fire Brigades Union brings firefighters and the communities they serve together, in memory of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Mick Bird’s Red Plaque will stand at Shepshed fire station as a place of reflection and remembrance for all those who knew and loved him – and as part of the history of Leicestershire and our fire and rescue service.”
Harry Brant, Fire Brigades Union brigade secretary for Leicestershire, said: “The level of response from the family and former colleagues of Mick are testament to his legacy. He was a much beloved member of the station and wider community. I didn’t know Mick personally, but his memory is kept alive by his friends, colleagues and family.
“This Red Plaque will cement the legacy of our member who died whilst responding to an emergency call. It is vitally important that lessons are learned with every tragic incident involving firefighters.”
Kev Henshaw, a colleague of Mick’s who was riding on the fire engine on the night of his passing, now FBU representative for Loughborough branch, said: “Mick was the life and soul of Shepshed Fire Station, always upbeat with a smile on his face. He was an excellent firefighter with great blue light response driving skills.
“Mick was a well-respected member of the station and after 19 years following his untimely sad passing, he is still often talked about and remembered.”
Picture: supplied
Angie Bird, Mick’s wife said: “Mick is very much missed. The devastation his death caused was awful, not just to us but so many. He was always making people laugh, he had a silly personality and never took life too seriously! He worked hard and loved being part of the fire service. He could turn his hand to anything. He was such a good dad to Tanya and Danny. He was a devoted husband.”
Tanya Bird, daughter of Mick said: “Dad was the best. Danny and I were very lucky. I never imagined we would ever have to live without him. He was our hero. 19 years seems like such a long time, but I still think about him every day. I’m very proud of the commitment he made to the fire service. He was always the life and soul of the party.”
