Tributes paid to former West Yorkshire firefighter who has died on duty

Simon Kaye was taken ill during a routine day shift at Christchurch Fire Station, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ansell, said in a statement.

Despite 'valiant attempts by his colleagues, paramedics, doctors and nurses at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital', Mr Ansell said Simon sadly passed away.

The full statement read: "Our thoughts at this very sad time are with Simon’s family and friends and with his colleagues who were with him at the time he was taken ill. We do not believe Simon’s death is related to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Everyone across Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has been stunned by these events and this is a devastating loss for us all.

"Simon had been a firefighter for over 30 years and served at stations across our Service and before that in West Yorkshire.

"I personally worked closely with Simon for a number of years and know he was an experienced, professional and skilled firefighter who was highly regarded by his colleagues.

“His passing is a huge loss to us all and my thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his partner and family. I want to pay tribute to the firefighters from Christchurch who were with Simon today and to our colleagues in the other emergency services and the NHS who fought so hard to save his life.

"Flags at stations and workplaces across Dorset & Wiltshire will be flown at half-mast in Simon’s honour.”

West Yorkshire Fire Service tweeted a tribute to Simon and described the reports of his death as 'awful news'.

The service said flags at the West Yorkshire headquarters would fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.

WYFRS tweeted: "Awful news.

"Our condolences & sympathy go out to Simon's family, friends & colleagues.

"Simon previously worked for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and today the flag at Headquarters flies at half-mast as a mark of respect.

"RIP Simon, you will be missed by many."