Family and friends mourn for Richard (From Barry And District News)

Family and friends mourn for Richard

BARRY firefighter Richard Jenkins has been laid to rest after a full fire and rescue service funeral ceremony.

The 28-year-old died on May 23 whilst tackling a blaze at an Ely bingo hall.

On Monday, his body was brought to Llandaff Cathedral on a fire engine led in by mounted firemen. The roads were lined with firemen from all over the country including members from London and Abertillery.

Tributes were written by family and friends. His father, John Jenkins, wrote a eulogy which was read by Richard's friend, John Winters.

He said: "Tragically doing the job he loved claimed his life early that Sunday morning. It's all too easy to destroy, that is why the weak and pathetic choose to do it. What is difficult is to create and build and that takes a strong human being - a real man and that is, without a doubt, what Rich was."

At the end of the service Richard's family were presented with his helmet and a fire service flag.

A tribute by Barry White Watch said: "In the two years that Richard had been with White Watch Barry Station, not only had he proved himself as a very professional fire-fighter, but had become an extremely popular member of the watch. He was a close friend and colleague who would entertain us with his sharp wit and dry sense of humour.

"He was, and always will be remembered as a good friend, to those who knew and worked so closely with him."

Chief Fire Officer for the South Wales Fire Service, Brian Frazer read: "Whatever we say today is inevitably an inadequate expression of the grief we carry in our hearts. We will all miss Richard."