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'Incredible turnout' for firefighter's funeral

NFRS Colleagues line up to honour Gary Saville at the funeral, outside the crematorium. In the foreground we can see close ups of two yellow fire helmets on the ground, in front of the legs of two firefighters. They wear black boots and thick trousers with high viz strips at the hem. In the background is a fire engine and a further line of firefighters in their work outfits.NFRS
Gary Saville was a "hugely popular" station commander with the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

Hundreds of firefighters have turned out to pay tribute to a station commander who died aged 39.

Gary Saville joined the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) in 2024, after 15 years with the London Fire Brigade.

He had been diagnosed with cancer and "spent his last days surrounded by family and friends", the fire service said.

"Gary was a very popular figure, both here in Northamptonshire and in London, and the incredible turnout for his funeral demonstrates the high regard in which he was held by all he worked with," said area commander Mick Berry, who was at Monday's service.

NFRS Colleagues dressed in formal suits and military-style hats line either side of a boulevard, while a fire engine drives slowly down the middle. In front of it, three people walk carrying two flags. There is a blue cloudy sky and grass either side of the road.NFRS
A guard of honour at Mr Saville's funeral

Mr Saville had been appointed station commander for both Daventry and Long Buckby in January 2024.

NFRS said he had "shown remarkable courage since his diagnosis to continue working" for the fire service and had "remained positive throughout".

The funeral cortege began at Mereway Fire Station in Northampton, where the station bells were sounded, before Mr Saville's coffin was escorted to Nene Valley Crematorium in Wellingborough.

It was met there by a guard of honour, made up of hundreds of firefighters and fire service staff from both London and Northamptonshire.

NFRS Colleagues line up to honour Gary at the funeral, outside the crematorium. Crews in uniform line the road on the right, with their yellow helmets on the floor in front of their boots. A red fire engine is in the distance. A man wearing a more formal black uniform stands in the foreground.NFRS
Family and colleagues paid tribute to Gary Saville during the funeral service

Mr Berry added: "We are absolutely devastated with the loss of a well-respected colleague.

"Gary had been with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 12 months.

"In that short time, he had such a positive impact, especially with the crews he was leading at Daventry and Long Buckby.

"Our deepest condolences go to his wife Lorraine, their two daughters, as well as his other family and friends, and we will continue to support them."

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