A PROUD family say they are over the moon after seeing their father get the funeral he deserved when local firefighters paid tribute with a guard of honour.

Terry Round was 73-years-old when he died of a sudden hear attack in December.

A Halstead resident, Terry moved to the town in 2002 in order to be closer to his grandchildren.

However, prior to moving to Halstead, Terry lived in Greenford, London where he spent more than 25 years working as a firefighter at Southall Fire Station.

Respected by his peers, Terry retired in 1996 and loved to spend time with his family.

Terry is survived by his daughters Sarah, 48, and Emma, 46, as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

But Terry’s family say they were blown away by the respect show to their patriarch when he was cremated at the Three Counties Crematorium in High Garrett.

Organised by Daniel Robinson and Sons’s employee, Sandy Maloy, with help from Roger Pickett, a curator at the Essex Fire Museum, Terry’s procession was lead by a 1964 AEC Merryweather Turntable Fire Engine.

It would have been the type fire engine used by Terry during his time in the fire brigade.

Even more of a shock, as the family didn’t know it would happen, the procession was followed by a fire crew from Halstead Fire Station.

The fire crew even paid tribute to one of their brothers in arms with a guard of honour.

Daughter Emma Round was amazed by the showing which saw Halstead town centre come to a standstill and pay its respects.

She said: “He was mine and my sister’s true hero.

“Halstead fire station, part of the Essex fire and rescue service, stepped up and honoured him as if he was one of their own.

“Our family could not feel more grateful to the local firefighters who went above and beyond the call of duty to honour our dad.

“The service was arranged by Sandy from Daniel Robinson and son at their branch in Halstead high street and she went out of her way to organise a hero’s send off.

“Sandy’s commitment to provide our dad with a hero’s send off is something our family will be eternally grateful for.

“We lost our true hero, but Sandy, Roger and the local crew at Halstead fire station made his send off something we will forever be grateful for.

“We wanted something incorporated into his funeral that represented him being a firefighter.

“The dread we all felt about the day turned into a feeling of complete pride and gratitude.

“It really is a testament to those who provide a service to the Halstead community. Our dad was our hero but Halstead is full of heroes that deserve recognition.”

Sandy Maloy added:

“After seeing the thought provoking, black and white image of Terence in a frame for display at his Funeral Service, I immediately knew that this man deserved a true hero’s final journey.

“Unfortunately, LFB were not very forthcoming with helping us, due to political tape

“It was a similar situation when I tried to contact Essex Fire Brigade

“I contacted a lovely gentleman called Roger Pickett who had helped us previously.

“A few hours before the funeral service a splendid looking 1964 AEC Merryweather Turntable Ladder arrived at our Halstead Office.

“The Fire Engine, which now lives in the Essex Fire Museum, at Grays Fire Station, was given special permission to play an important role in the Cortege for Terence.

“The Merryweather Turntable transported his Coffin to the Three Counties Crematorium, which was dressed with two of his own Firefighting helmets, and a floral version, made by a local florist.

“I had also managed, with the help of the Watch Commander Lee Bacon at Halstead Fire Station, to have an additional Essex Fire Engine in attendance.

“Unbeknown to the family who found this not only remarkably special but emotional too.

“Once at the Crematorium Chapel, Terence’s Coffin was draped with the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service Ensign, which again we had been able to source, and he was given a true hero’s send off.

“The family have requested donations to the “Fire Fighters Charity” and donations can be made if desired C/O Daniel Robinson & Sons, 31 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2AA until 22nd February 2022.”