Around 100 firefighters, dignitaries and local residents gathered at St Mary’s Church in Preston on Stour on Sunday, to honour their fallen colleagues at a special church ceremony. 
The aim of the service was to lay up the official fire service colours (flags) which is a tradition carried out by the fire and rescue service, when firefighters lose their lives during the call of duty.
The event began with a procession led by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Services Colour Party, who led the parade through the village up to St Mary’s Church. During the service, a number of hymns were sung before the official ‘laying up of colours’ ceremony took place. During the formal part of the ceremony, the Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith, officially passed the flag to Reverend John Parker, who read a small passage. The colours were then laid to rest by Reverend Christopher Goble, the Vicar of St Mary’s Church.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith said:
“I was honoured to be part of this event. ‘laying up of colours’ is a long honoured tradition in the fire and rescue service. It serves as a mark of respect for all firefighters who have lost their lives in and is a fitting tribute to the Service as a whole.”
To conclude the ceremony, the Bishop of Warwick addressed the congregation expressing his personal thanks to the dedication firefighters play in our communities.
The Rt. Revd. John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick said:
“It was a privilege to take part in this service. As their name expresses, the fire service personnel exist to rescue and to serve. They do that no matter what and no matter what the cost to them. On Sunday we paid tribute to the selflessness, sacrifice and service we see in the Fire and Rescue Service and gave thanks to God for them. We also recognised and honoured those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives.”