Firefighters from across the capital have joined commemorations to mark 20 years since the 7/7 attacks. 52 people, including a London Fire Brigade employee, were killed when a series of bombs were detonated on the London transport network.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith joined the Prime Minister, Mayor of London and emergency service partners in laying a wreath at the 7/7 Memorial in Hyde Park. At the same time, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Brigade at the locations of the bombings, with local firefighters joining emergency service colleagues and the public in paying their respects.
Fifty serving and retired members of the Brigade also joined the service of remembrance held at St Paul’s Cathedral. Amongst them was Group Commander Paul Osborne. In 2005 he was a firefighter based at Southwark Fire Station at the time of the attacks. Along with the rest of his crew, they were some of the first firefighters to arrive at the scene.
Sharing his memories of the day, Group Commander Osborne said: “When we first arrived at Aldgate Station, we thought it was a surprise training exercise. However, we quickly began to realise the severity of what had happened.
“After entering the tunnel and reaching the carriages, we immediately set to work and followed our training. Our equipment for providing first aid at the time was very basic, but we did everything we could to treat people and provide comfort for the injured.
“On that day I saw some of the worst in humanity. However, the dedication, determination and compassion shown by emergency service workers and the public also showed me the best.”
One of the seven people who lost their lives at Aldgate was Lee Baisden. Lee worked for London Fire Brigade in the Procurement Department as a finance officer. He was commuting to work at the time of the attack. A plaque in his memory is located in the Brigade’s Memorial Hall at Lambeth.
Speaking after the wreath laying, London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Although it is twenty years on, I know that 7/7 remains fresh in the minds of many, including those firefighters that responded on the day. Today, across the Brigade, we honour the memory of the 52 people who lost their lives, including our colleague, Lee Baisden.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to those firefighters and emergency service workers who responded on the day. Their work in incredibly challenging and dangerous conditions is an example of the dedication shown by emergency service workers on a daily basis.”