Firefighters' award to take pride of place

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 08:39

THE Local Hero award presented to the colleagues of fallen firefighter Ewan Williamson is to take pride of place at Tollcross fire station.

The award, given to his fellow members of Green Watch at last week's Forth Awards, is to be placed at the heart of the watch's trophy collection.

It will join other tributes and awards made to Mr Williamson since his death, creating a memorial for his colleagues.

The 35-year-old was killed in July while helping to fight a fire at the Balmoral Bar in Dalry Road.

Earlier this month, Chancellor Alistair Darling nominated Mr Williamson for the Queen's Gallantry Medal following an Evening News campaign which saw more than 3,000 people sign our petition. Last week, the Local Hero award, in association with the Evening News, was presented to Oliver Carrigan and his colleague Kevin Reid on behalf of Green Watch.

The remembrance area for Mr Williamson's colleagues could also be followed in the future by a more formal memorial from Lothian and Borders Fire Service.

A spokeswoman confirmed that it would support the idea of incorporating letters and awards received into some kind of permanent tribute if that was what Mr Williamson's family wanted.

The service received letters from around the world expressing condolences at the firefighter's death.