Almost 1,000 mourners braved the wind and rain to pay their last respects to a fireman who died aged 51.
Line of duty - hundreds of firefighters line up to pay their respects to Steve Martin, who died of a heart attack aged 51 Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
Hero firefighter Steve Martin, of Rosemead in Benfleet, died just three months short of 30 years service after a suspected heart attack.
The fireman was honoured with a full brigade funeral at the Basildon Crematorium, with more than 100 firefighters lining the entrance roads.
Crowds of people queued for more than 15 minutes before squeezing into the chapel for a service.
At the front of the congregation were wife Janet, and sons Paul, 28, and Steve, 27. During an emotional service led by the Rev David Tudor guests mixed laughter with tears as happy memories of Steve were shared.
A typical example of Steve's bravery came at Wapping when he saved a crew member's life by carrying him down 14 flights of stairs and out of a burning building.
During his career he won a bravery award and a Queen Elizabeth medal.
Published Wednesday January 21, 2004
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