Plaque unveiled for Manchester firefighter who died in the line of duty

A plaque was unveiled on 14 May for a Manchester firefighter who died in the line of duty, close to the anniversary of his passing.

John Ogden, a father of two, sustained injuries falling from a fire engine, which was on its way to attend a car fire on 12 May 1996. He later died from his injuries, three days later.

An inquest into the incident found the locking mechanism on the then-new fire engine appeared to have shut but had not.

Matthew Fryer, Greater Manchester Fire Brigades Union brigade organiser said: ‘John Ogden was a well-loved colleague and friend. His passing is remembered and known about amongst our firefighting community in Manchester, but this plaque will ensure that the local community does not forget what he gave. Manchester’s firefighters have a close relationship with the community and we hope that this will only further help the people of Manchester understand the sacrifices firefighters make and in, particular, John Ogden’s story.’

John’s family and friends attended the unveiling of the Red Plaque. The Red Plaque scheme is run by the Fire Brigades Union and aims to recognise firefighters who have died in the line of duty with a plaque recognising their sacrifice, close to where the incident took place and in a position prominent to the local community.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said: ‘Every day firefighters go to work and may risk everything to help others. John was no different, and it is vital that we remember him. This plaque will be prominent in the local community and will ensure that John Ogden, and all firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty, are never forgotten. It is only through funds raised by the Firefighters 100 lottery that the Red Plaque scheme can commemorate these firefighters, with so far 32 plaques unveiled across the UK.’

The plaque is placed on a prominent building at the junction of Slade Lane and Stockport Road in Manchester, close to where the incident took place. A commemoration ceremony at Gorton Monastery followed the unveiling.

The Red Plaque scheme is funded by the Firefighter 100 lottery, which is also administered by the Fire Brigades Union and aims to raise money for good causes related to the fire and rescues service. The lottery can be entered at www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk