Derbyshire firefighters join in national clap to honour Captain Sir Tom Moore

Emergency workers stood outside their station in Long Eaton, while lights flashed from a fire engine and clapped in memory of the 100-year-old World War Two veteran who died from Covid-19 while in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday, February 2.

The firefighters joined the nation in a clap at 6pm last night, organised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to honour the life of Captain Sir Tom who raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during the first lockdown in the lead up to his birthday.

In a post on Twitter which included a video of fire workers, Long Eaton On-Call Fire crew said: “We salute you Captain Tom!

“Thank you from each and every one of us.

"May you rest in peace!”

It comes after Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service paid tribute to the war veteran who was knighted in last year’s honours by lowering their flags to half mast at their joint headquarters in Ripley yesterday (February 3).

The county's fire service commented: “What a lovely tribute.

"Our flag has also been flying at half mast today at our joint @DerbysPolice & Fire HQ.

"A fitting tribute for such a remarkable and inspirational gentleman.”

Derbyshire Constabulary also praised Captain Tom, who was born in Keighley in West Yorkshire, for inspiring others after he raised millions for the NHS during the on-going coronavirus crisis from his home in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.

“The flags have been at half mast today at our joint police and fire headquarters in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who sadly died yesterday”, the force said.

"He gave hope and inspired so many by his fundraising for NHS charities.

"Our thoughts are with all his family and friends.”

MPs observed a minute’s silence in the House of Commons yesterday in memory of the 100-year-old war veteran and fundraiser and the more than 100,000 people across the UK who have lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus.

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