Red plaque honours firefighter who died on duty

A red plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a firefighter who died during a blaze at a village pub nearly 40 years ago.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) tribute in honour of Christopher Betts, who lost his life in Norfolk in 1987 aged 28, is the first of its kind in the county.

It was unveiled by his father, William, himself a former firefighter. Mr Betts spoke of his pride in his son, who he described as a "lovely boy".

At Monday's ceremony, Scott Norman, the deputy chief fire officer, said it was important to remember "the ultimate sacrifice" made by firefighter Betts, killed when the chimney of The Chequers in Hainford collapsed.

Christopher Betts was Marek Jetcvalik's uncle. Mr Jetcvalik, 45, who was just seven when the tragedy happened, said he had "idolised him".

"He was just magical. He treated me like a son," he said.

Mr Jetcvalik said his mother was "destroyed" by the loss of her brother.

"We don't want his sacrifice to be forgotten," he added.

The ceremony was held at The Chequers.

Mr Norman described what happened on the night of the fire.

He said the pub's chimney collapsed while firefighters were damping down the roof.

They had tried to dig Mr Betts out "with their hands".

He said the young firefighter had made the "ultimate sacrifice in protecting the communities of Norfolk".

"It's really important that we mark that with the respect it deserves," he added.

The red plaque scheme, to honour firefighters who have died in the line of duty, is run by the FBU.

Rebecca Lewington, FBU regional secretary, said: "It's important for us to remember our fallen brothers and sisters."

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