Station Commander pays tribute to colleague
An Inverness based Station Commander has paid a tribute to a colleague who passed away following a terminal illness.
Karla Stevenson, who is responsible for community safety engagement for Highland, Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland, took on the role of a family liaison officer to support firefighter Craig Christie from Inverness.
Craig died peacefully at home on October 4. He latterly served as community firefighter within the community safety engagement team in Highland area.
Karla paid a tribute to him at his funeral which took place at W G Catto Funeral Home in Elgin on October 14 where Craig’s colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) lined up as a guard of honour.
As a family liaison officer, Karla supported both Craig and his long-term partner Caren and arranged their wedding within 24 hours, which took place on July 7 at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. The wedding was attended by Amber Watch from Inverness Community Fire Station as well as local officers.
Karla managed to arrange details such as flowers, a cake and a photographer for the wedding at short notice. However, due to the wedding being arranged so quickly, the couple did not have wedding rings. Karla improvised by using Haribo rings for the ceremony which was conducted by a local registrar and raised a smile by all attending.
Karla said: “It was an honour to be able to help Craig in whatever way I could, as well as to try and offer some support to Caren and their family in the most difficult of times. Craig and Caren were so happy on their wedding day, and it was a privilege to be a part of this very special memory. Craig was a much-respected firefighter who was dedicated and committed to helping others. He will be very sadly missed by us all.”
Craig joined Grampian Fire Brigade as an on-call firefighter in 1995 and went on to join wholetime in 2001. He was a keen footballer, playing for Nairn County in defence. As a firefighter, he served in Aberdeen, Elgin and Inverness fire stations as well as working in training throughout Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland areas. He moved to community safety engagement in 2024.
In September Karla was presented with an SFRS Chief Officer Commendation for her compassionate support. Craig and Caren attended a ceremony which was held at Inverness Community Fire Station to see Karla receive her award.
