Gallantry Medal would be fitting for brave Ewan

Published on Tuesday 21 July 2009 09:46

THE EVENING News today calls for the bravery of hero firefighter Ewan Williamson to be officially recognised by the Queen.

The 35-year-old, who will be laid to rest tomorrow, became the first Lothian firefighter in living memory to die while fighting a blaze when he tragically lost his life nine days ago.

And today friends, colleagues, and politicians backed our call for his courage and dedication to be officially recognised by being posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Convener of the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue board, Councillor Mike Bridgman, said he was "totally supportive" of the campaign.

"Ewan was a courageous firefighter, as are all the firefighters that serve our city.

"I would support anything that honours his memory and I'm sure that the whole board would back me on that."

Mr Williamson, who was stationed at Tollcross, died while fighting a fire at the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road on 12 July.

The Fire Fighters Charity is supporting Mr Williamson's family as they prepare for his funeral. The charity's chairman, Keith MacGillivray said: "For his outstanding courage to be recognised in this way will be a great honour for his family, colleagues and all that knew him.

"This tragic event highlights the difficult and gruelling circumstances that firefighters have to face daily."

Friend Dominique Jacquel, who played basketball with Mr Williamson, said such an honour would be "fantastic". And Stewart Wilson, who coached Ewan's basketball team, WHEC Polonia, added: "The entire team's 100 per cent behind this, we'd all give our backing to this campaign."

The Queen's Gallantry Medal is awarded by the Queen for acts of great bravery by citizens including firefighters and police officers, and occasionally serving military personnel.

Among others to have received the honour are baggage handler John Smeaton for his part in foiling the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport in 2007.

It was also given posthumously to Fleur Lombard, the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain, after she lost her life in supermarket fire in Bristol in 1996.

Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack has tabled a motion calling on the Scottish Parliament to salute the bravery of Mr Williamson and his colleagues.

She said: "Recognition with the Queen's Gallantry Medal would acknowledge his personal commitment, and also highlight the dangerous work that firefighters do on behalf of us all."

Edinburgh West MP John Barrett, said: "It is right that a man as brave and decent as Ewan Williamson ought to have his actions recognised – it is for people like him that such medals exist."

Support our call for Ewan Williamson to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal – add your support at edinburghnews.com/ewanwilliamsonpetition