Scotland's Chief Officer will today lead a poignant tribute to firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.

At the stroke of noon, crews will gather outside stations across Scotland for a minutes’ silence as flags are lowered to half-mast to remember the fallen.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will stand united with colleagues across the UK and throughout world to acknowledge Firefighters’ Memorial Day on Saturday, May 4.

Speaking ahead of the memorial which coincides with International Firefighters’ Day, SFRS Chief Officer Martin Blunden said: “I am very humbled to lead this important commemoration here in Scotland.

“It is right and it is fitting that we gather to remember those who gave their lives to protect others and honour the memory of those exceptional and very brave people.

“Their families, their friends and their loved ones, their colleagues, will also be at the very forefront of our thoughts.”

And he paid tribute to the commitment of firefighters who continue to stand on the front line each and every day. 

“They train and they prepare so that they can do this as safely and as effectively as possible but each loss serves to remind us all too clearly of the inherent dangers that they can face.“I pay tribute to the unwavering commitment of our firefighters who stand on the front line, our Operations Control firefighters who support them to do so through the technical and effective co-ordination of resources and, of course, our emergency service partners.

Chief Officer Blunden continued: “All emergency service workers go to work knowing that they could be asked to enter some of the most challenging and hostile environments to reach those in need.

“It is with deepest pride and honour that we today mark Firefighter’s Memorial Day.”