This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/hampshire/8653288.stm
The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Next version
Version 22 | Version 23 |
---|---|
Funeral for city flat firefighter | Funeral for city flat firefighter |
(20 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of people lined the streets of a Dorset town as the funeral was held for one of two firefighters killed in a fire at a Southampton block of flats. | |
James Shears, 35, died alongside colleague Alan Bannon, 38, in the 15-storey Shirley Towers on 6 April. | |
His funeral was held at St George's Church near his home in Oakdale, Poole, followed by a committal service. | |
The coffin was carried to church by a turntable ladder fire appliance adorned with flowers. | |
The Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service standard was draped over the coffin with Mr Shears' helmet on top. | |
On the 6th of April, I lost the most wonderful man I have ever known and heaven gained a hero Carla Shears | |
It was followed by members of Red Watch from St Mary's Fire Station, Southampton, on foot and a second fire engine. | |
A guard of honour made up of hundreds of firefighters and members of the public lined the streets. | |
Members of the public were asked to wear colourful clothing to help celebrate his life and they stood in a respectful silence as the coffin was carried by six pallbearers into the church. | |
Mr Shears, known as Jim and who also had the nickname of Britney, lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Carla and two sons, Ruben aged four, and Frankie, five. | |
He also lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed and brothers, Gary, Steven and Chas. | He also lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed and brothers, Gary, Steven and Chas. |
Mrs Shears said: "My Jim was a hero in every aspect of his life. | |
James Shears had always wanted to be a firefighter, his wife said | |
"He was a truly dedicated hands-on father to his two boys he adored and who in return adored him. | |
"To me, Jim was a wonderfully caring, funny husband, my rock. | |
"I am not sure how we will cope without our Jim lighting up our lives but I find comfort in knowing his wonderful qualities will undoubtedly shine on through his gorgeous sons. | |
"On the 6th of April, I lost the most wonderful man I have ever known and heaven gained a hero." | |
Mr Shears joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 and served with St Mary's Red Watch alongside Mr Bannon, who lived in Bitterne in the city and also had a young family. | Mr Shears joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 and served with St Mary's Red Watch alongside Mr Bannon, who lived in Bitterne in the city and also had a young family. |
Hundreds of colleagues lined the streets of Southampton on Tuesday for Mr Bannon's funeral. | Hundreds of colleagues lined the streets of Southampton on Tuesday for Mr Bannon's funeral. |
A fire service and police investigation is continuing into how the fire started and how the men died. | A fire service and police investigation is continuing into how the fire started and how the men died. |
The occupants of flat 72, where the fire started, told the BBC it was caused by a curtain left draped over a lightbulb. | The occupants of flat 72, where the fire started, told the BBC it was caused by a curtain left draped over a lightbulb. |
The firefighters were both found unconscious by paramedics in a flat on the ninth floor of the block and Mr Bannon was pronounced dead at the scene. | The firefighters were both found unconscious by paramedics in a flat on the ninth floor of the block and Mr Bannon was pronounced dead at the scene. |
Mr Shears was taken to Southampton General Hospital and died there two hours later despite attempts to revive him. | Mr Shears was taken to Southampton General Hospital and died there two hours later despite attempts to revive him. |
A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July. | A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July. |