Tributes to hero firefighters

Firefighter Michael Miller's recruitment to the fire and rescue service just one year ago was the realisation of a lifetime ambition for the 26-year-old.

Michael, who was planning to marry, was a fencer and landscaper before becoming a firefighter.

His father Howard said: "Michael was so proud to be a firefighter. He tried to get into the service three times before he was successful but he wouldn't give up, it was his dream.

"He died a hero trying to save the life of somebody else. He always used to say, 'Dad, the day I get to save somebody's life will be the best day'- now he will never know what that feeling is like.

"He was due to get married in May and he absolutely doted on his fiancée. She is not coping with his death and is absolutely devastated as we all are.

"The wedding invitations had been sent out the day before he died.

"I would never wish upon anyone else the feeling of receiving the invitation to your son's wedding knowing you will never see it take place.

"Michael was indicative of everything good. Everything that you would ever want in a person was there in him. His whole family is so proud of him"

Firefighter Jeff Wornham, 28, lived in a bungalow on the family farm in Sandon near Royston with his girlfriend Lizzie Honeycomb. He joined the service in September, 2001.

A statement from his parents Robert and Christina, sister Caroline and brother Tom said: "Jeff was wholly committed to his work as a firefighter and since he was young had always put others first.

"He saw the crew he worked with as his extended family. We have always been so proud of him, he was always so brave and selfless.

"He was loving and devoted to his family and to his life with Lizzie.

"Jeff enjoyed everything he did. He worked hard and played hard, loving the practical jokes and great camaraderie with his crew. Equally he never lost sight of his roots and enjoyed spending time working on the farm.

"He really was one in a million, a great guy who touched so many lives in a positive way."

Station officer Dave Stokes, who worked with both Michael and Jeff throughout their service careers said: "I'm just so proud of them. They were great firefighters and great lads.

"Both Michael and Jeff were doing extremely well in their careers and were well thought of and invaluable members of the team.

"Mick was a fit, strong young man in the prime of life. He played rugby for the service and for Stevenage as a wing forward. He loved the job and was heading for a successful career.

"Jeff was also a sportsman, a keen cricketer. He really wanted to be a firefighter although he came from a farming family and had been a farmer before he joined the service. He was extremely competent and well-liked and we were lucky to have him on the team.

"Obviously this has been a terrible blow for the whole station. As firefighters we have to get straight back on with the job but we'll never forget them."

The family of mum-of-two, Natalie Close, 32, who also died in the fire said: "Natalie was the eldest of three sisters and was a lively person with an outgoing personality. She will be sadly missed by us all and she will always be in our memories.

"We are extremely grateful to the firefighters for risking their lives to save Natalie and we send our condolences to the families of the two firemen who also lost their lives."

# The man rescued from the fire at Harrow Court by the two firefighters who died has been released from hospital. He has not been named.

# Firefighters praised in House by Prime Minister

THE two firefighters who died were hailed as heroes by Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday (Wednesday).

He said in Parliament: "I am sure the whole House would want to join in paying tribute to the two firefighters.

"They died doing an extraordinary and heroic job and I know the whole House of Commons would wish to send our sympathy and condolences to their families."

The case had been raised by Stevenage MP Barbara Follett who commended the firefighters for their bravery.

# A TRUST fund has been set up for the families of the two firefighters who died while trying to save a resident in the fire at Harrow Court.

The fund, which is to be called The Stevenage Firefighters' Fund, was set up by chief fire officer Steve Seaber in response to requests to donate money from members of the public.

Donations can be made at local fire stations or, preferably, by post addressed to the Chief Fire Officer, Fire Service Headquarters, Old London Road, Hertford, Herts, SG13 7LD, with cheques made payable to The Stevenage Firefighters' Fund.

A book of condolence has also been placed at Fire Service Headquarters in Old London Road, Hertford, and in the reception at Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage.

They are open during office hours to anyone who would like to sign them.

Mr Seaber and his deputy Roy Wilsher were the first to sign the book.

Mr Seaber said: "The last few days have been terrible for everyone. My thoughts and sympathies are with Jeff and Michael's families and friends as well as their colleagues, who are all just devastated by the loss.

"The cause of the the incident at Harrow Court, Stevenage, is still being investigated and the outcome is not expected for some weeks.

"We've been touched by the many messages we've received from people from across the country and across the world. We set up the Stevenage Firefighters' Fund because so many people wanted to do something.

[Source : The Comet]