A red plaque has been unveiled to commemorate seven firefighters who lost their lives in Glasgow 50 years ago.
Andrew Quinn, Alistair Crofts, Iain Bermingham, Allan Finlay, William Hooper, Duncan McMillan, and James Rook were responding to a warehouse fire on Kilbirnie Street when they were killed after a ceiling collapsed.
The brave men had been trying to rescue Rook, who was trapped, when the building came in costing them their lives on Friday, August 25, 1972.
Now five decades later their loved ones and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are determined to keep their memory alive.
Today at the scene of the tragedy they revealed the red plaque with the names of the firefighters which will serve as an “everlasting memorial to the seven brave men”.
They also laid wreaths and notes to the victims thanking them for paying the “ultimate sacrifice” while working to save their communities.
Fire Brigade Union (FBU) Vice President, Ben Selby, said: “When others are running away from dangers of fire and other emergencies, it is fire fighters that are running towards it “Often without a second thought, they're willing to put their lives in danger and on occasions like this one sadly they pay the ultimate sacrifice.”
It was one of the highest losses of life for the UK fire and rescue service at a single incident in peacetime.
The plaque is part of a national Red Plaque Scheme run by the Fire Brigades Union and funded through the Firefighters 100 Lottery, aiming to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
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Seona Hart, FBU Scotland Regional Treasurer, said: “In 1972 in this building behind me seven Glasgow firefighters lost their lives in service for their community.
“They did so in some of the most courageous circumstances seen anywhere in the UK fire service.
“Knowingly committing themselves into a desperate situation in a final attempt to save the life of their colleague.
“Their courage remains an inspiration to every firefighter then and now.
“By laying this special plaque, their union remains committed to ensuring their bravery and sacrifice is never forgotten.
“We lay a plaque at the sight of the frie as a permanent community based memorial to our fallen brothers.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Chief Officer, Ross Haggart, said: “I’m privileged to be here today to remember each or the seven brave men who tragically lost their lives fighting the serious fire within the warehouse here on Kilbirnie street on 25th august in 1972.”
“We remember them as firefighters who went above and beyond to make a positive difference but also as fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and friends.
“This year will have extra significance with It being the 50th anniversary of the tragedy and while time may heal the sense of loss and memories last a lifetime.
“I know days like today sharpen these memories to everyone who knew and loved them.
“The unveiling of this red plaque by the fire bridge union here at the scene of the tragedy 50 years ago is a very fitting way to complete this year's commemorations.
“The plaque will provide an everlasting memorial to the seven brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice whole protecting their communities and fellow firefighters.”
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