Fire Service Honours Passing Of Former Fireman
The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service [BFRS] paid tribute today [Jan 22] to retired firefighter William Michael Roberts, who recently passed away, holding a funeral procession in his honour.
Family, friends and Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service personnel gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Warwick to pay respects and celebrate the life of the retired fire fighter.
Escorted by police, the procession — which included a contingent of Fire Service vehicles and personnel — drove by the Hamilton Fire Station with Mr Roberts’ casket draped in a flag and carried on the back of a fire truck. Fire Service vehicles were lined in front of the building and staff stood to attention offering their last goodbye.
Fire Service spokesperson Sergeant Russann Francis said, “The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service are mourning, Lieutenant Michael “Fruity” Roberts [ret.], along with family, friends and retired brothers of the service, as we lay a long serving member of the “brotherhood” to rest today.
“Lieutenant Roberts’ career spanned over almost 30 years of service having joined the Hamilton Fire Brigade in August 1971 and retiring from the Service in early 2000. Within this period, he achieved the rank of Leading Fireman in July 1974; Sergeant in April 1981 and was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1985.
“During his career he was very passionate about helping his fellow firefighters to be the best they could. His love and commitment for others was a driving force behind his years of involvement in the Fire Service Association, where he was able to work along with the management to achieve many benefits which personnel are able to enjoy to date.
“He was a very kind, supportive, loving yet witty brother who will be missed dearly.”
