Acting Station Officer Christopher Ricardo Edwards rode on many fire trucks during his 35-year fire fighting career, only this time he did not get off to battle a raging blaze.
Yesterday, his flag draped casket on top the Bronco turntable fire truck, flanked by fire officers, rolled slowly into the St Lucy’s Parish Church, thronged by mourners who gathered to bid farewell to Edwards who died on December 15, electrocuted by a live power cable while responding to a fire in Station Hill, St Peter.
Edwards, who lived at Reservoir Road, Ashton Hall, in the same parish, was laid to rest in the churchyard of All Saints Anglican Church after being eulogised for his selfless dedication, loyalty and friendliness.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Lucene Wharton-Issac, Cabinet Ministers and other heads of departments and representatives of fire services across the region, headed the list of officials who paid their final respects.
In the eulogy, Leading Fire Officer Samuel Carrington said Edwards’ dedication exemplified the Fire Service’s motto, Excellence Through Service and as a result, he gained the admiration and respect of Chief Fire Officer Wilfred Marshall, other officers and his subordinates with whom he came into contact on a daily basis.
Chief Fire Officer Wilfred Marshall reminisced on a friendship with Edwards which spanned more than three decades. and praised him for sharing his knowledge with other staff and his dedication to duty.
Rector of St Lucy’s Parish Church Reverend Curtis Goodridge reminded the congregation that they need not fear death as long as their spiritual lives were grounded in Jesus Christ.
