Bethnal Green fire

This web page is dedicated to the memory of Bill Faust and Adam Meere, both of Whitechapel Fire Station red watch.

 
Firefighter Bill Faust and Firefighter Adam Meere

Bill and Adam were part of an eight pump attendance to a fire in a three-storey building in Bethnal Green Road, at 4.30am on Tuesday 20 July 2004. Unfortunately, Bill and Adam experienced severe difficulties in the basement and were seriously injured. They were rescued by their colleagues but their injuries were so severe, that they both unfortunately died.

Bill and Adam were much loved and well respected by their colleagues, both will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Memorial service
A memorial service for Bill and Adam was held at Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday, 29 September 2004. Representatives of the London Fire Brigade, Fire Authorities across the country, other colleagues and friends joined the families in Westminster Cathedral to pay tribute to the firefighters.

• The order of service [ PDF 137kb]

Condolences and donations
It has been extremely comforting to see contributions for Bill and Adam's families, as well as messages of condolence pouring in from all over the UK and abroad. The book of condolence has now closed but you can still make a donation to the Bill Faust and Adam Meere Trust Fund.

Funerals

Funeral of Firefighter Adam Meere

The funeral of Adam Meere took place on Tuesday, 3 August 2004. The funeral of Bill Faust took place on Thursday, 5 August 2004. The Brigade was represented at both funerals by their colleagues who formed a Guard of Honour and acted as pallbearers. 

Floral tributes for Firefighter Bill Faust

As a mark of respect, Brigade staff observed a one minute silence and flags were flown at half mast on both days.

London Fire Commissioner Sir Ken Knight and LFEPA Chair, Val Shawcross paid tribute to the firefighters.

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