A FIREFIGHTER who lost her life tackling a blaze at a Staple Hill supermarket is one of more than 30 public servants to be recognised by a new honour.
Fleur Lombard was just 21 when she was killed at the Co-op Leo’s store in Broad Street, which had been set alight by an arsonist, on February 4 1996.
Fleur, the first female firefighter to die in the line of duty in peacetime Britain, was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in recognition of her bravery.
Now her sacrifice is one of the first to be marked by a new honour, the Elizabeth Emblem, which commemorates public servants who have lost their lives on duty.
The award will be presented to Fleur’s family by the King.
Fleur Lombard joined Avon Fire Brigade in 1994, earning the Silver Axe Award for the most outstanding recruit in her training school.
She died as a result of the intense heat when she was caught in a flashover, where all the exposed flammable material suddenly ignited inside the building, which stood on the site now occupied by Tesco.
A memorial stands opposite the supermarket and every year, on the anniversary of her death, Avon Fire & Rescue Service, retired firefighters and residents join at the site to honour her memory.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton, who was one of the firefighters called to the blaze that claimed Fleur’s life, said: “The loss of Fleur Lombard remains deeply felt within Avon Fire & Rescue Service and within the community she served so selflessly.
“The introduction of the Elizabeth Emblem is a profound and fitting way to honour those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in public service.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every single day to protect their communities. Seeing Fleur’s family receive the Elizabeth Emblem is a significant tribute to her courage and commitment, enshrining her legacy within the history of our Service and our nation.”
The Emblem is a civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK Armed Forces who have died in duty, and will be awarded to the families of firefighters, police officers and other public servants who have died in the line of duty.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “While families will never be able to replace their loved ones, the Elizabeth Emblem pays tribute to the sacrifice they have made.”
Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem.