Our late President, Brian William " Bill" Butler: MBE. O St J. QFSM. 1935-2016. Brian joined the LFB in the mid 1950's, and started his long career in the old " B " Divison at D 60 Clapham. He was to rise briskly through the ranks as he clearly possessed all the attributes of a fine, dedicated officer. Although he did on occasion find himself posted outside of his beloved "B" Division, he always managed to return there.
Bills achievements included the firegound management of the notorious Brixton riots of 1981, a task that later set the benchmark for all Brigade management in this type of incident. He was a gentleman and an officer, never to be taken lightly and with an astute operational mind that was the envy of many of his peers. He never suffered fools easily and always desired clarity in any conversation about the Brigade accepting no "grey" areas. His service spanned almost 40 years, all in the London Fire Brigade, and that service is remembered with great appreciation and respect, as was the man. A true gentleman never to be forgotton.
We are saddened to have to report the loss of our member Michael Herschell, Mick had served at Croydon and Soho during his career. He passed away on 19th October 2019.
Our former Chairman, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm fireman, London Fire Brigade fireman, West Sussex Sub Officer and all round gentleman and founder member of this group sadly passed away on March 12th 2021 after a long illness. Peter, and his wife Julia, were instrumental in making this restoration project happen and without their incredible generosity of time, facilitating and behind the scenes matters ensured that our efforts were to be successful.
We are sad to report the passing of one of our original founder members, James Geoghegan on November 7th 2021. Jim had served within the A & C Divisions through the 1970,s and early 1980's before arriving at K22 Wandsworth as Sub O. He quickly committed to supporting the idea of purchasing and restoring 240FLM and often turned out to see her whenever it was near his home. The group were proud to have been able to escort Jim on his final journey on the 25th November at Gloucester. Gloucestershire..
We are again sad to report the passing on another of our founder members, Eric Goldsmith. Eric had served at the old Greenwich and East Greenwich, Lewisham fire stations and latterly at E Division Staff . His family continued to serve with his son David being a Station Officer at L24 ( F38) Romford for many years.
On Friday 18th November 2022, we said farewell to one of our original founder members, Mick Burke. The group carried Mick on his final shout on the back of 240FLM which was indeed fitting as he had previously served at the old B29 New Cross fire Station, original home of 240FLM, from 1964 to 1969. Michael joined the brigade in 1963 aged 22 after moving to London from Ireland where he came to know the appliance well as his service included TL training and operating this very appliance. farewell Mick and thankyou for your service and support.