Salute for former firefighter

The flag was at half-mast as the funeral cortege of former fire fighter Philip Hardy stopped at Holbeach last week.

Mr Hardy, who died on February 28, aged 83, spent more than 30 years in the fire service before retiring in 1992.

Fire service personnel stood to pay their respects to the retired Sub Officer on his final journey last Tuesday, March 23.

Married to Joyce, the couple had two sons, Jon and Neil.

Mr Hardy was well-known in the town and started his career with the fire service as a retained firefighter in 1958.

Away from the fire service he worked in the family nursery.

Former colleague Terry Rudd said: “Philip was generally a quiet person and quite reserved.

“He was always very positive and methodical in this thinking.

“That was fantastic in the fire station as he never rushed and took it all in his stride.

“We all looked up and respected him.”

Philip’s family thanked the fire station for their tribute. Son Neil said: “On behalf of all the family I would like to say a huge thank you to all the fire fighters who lined up and gave dad a respectful send off.”