[29 November 2007]

The 3rd December 2006 will live in our memories forever.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service exists to help make the County of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove safer places to live in and work. Tragically a year ago Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker lost their lives in the ultimate act of service.

Grief does not end with the first anniversary, but it is an important milestone and provides a time for remembrance, reflection and assessment.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will mark the day with a series of solemn tributes that will include a two-minute silence, to be held at the Service Headquarters at 14.42.

Both Brian and Geoff had long and distinguished careers with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and performed roles in key areas of the Service, which included firefighting, mobilising and gathering training evidence which prevented others from being exposed to unnecessary risks at incidents. They were superb ambassadors for East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and will never be forgotten.

During the last year, it has been recognised that despite the loss felt by families, friends and colleagues, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has remained at the forefront of resilience and the communities it serves. The dedication and continued professionalism of everyone within the Service has been fundamental in the continued achievements of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

The Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive, Des Prichard, has spoken of his pride in the way the Service has coped with its loss over the past year and that our priority, as always, is to the families of Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker, as well as the safety of the communities of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove.

All aspects of last year's incident at Marlie Farm are still subject to a wide ranging, detailed and complex investigation, which is being led by the Police and assisted by the Health and Safety Executive, along with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.