Hero fireman Melvyn dies aged 62
A senior former firefighter who received the MBE for his work in the fire service and the community has died aged 62.
A senior former firefighter who received the MBE for his work in the fire service and the community has died aged 62.
Melvyn Kinsey, who was stationed at Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, suffered a brain tumour.
During a career spanning nearly 30 years in the fire service, he helped raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes.
The retired father-of-two, who also worked at Wolverhampton and Bilston fire stations, was made a Member of the British Empire in 2000 after being named in the New Years Honours List.
He was nominated for his tireless work in the community where he regularly helped organise fund-raising events.
The former leading firefighter, who lived at Parkhouse Avenue, Wednesfield, served in the RAF before becoming a firefighter in 1974 . Colleagues say he took to the job with great gusto and, when not tackling fires, he helped expand firefighters' role in the community by working with neighbourhoods.
He became a standard bearer for West Midlands Fire Service at ceremonial occasions and organised a string of fundraisers.
In 1984, he helped pull a fire engine around the Wolverhampton Marathon route for charity and for many years he organised the community bonfire at Wightwick Special School.
Son Neil Kinsey, 32, a firefighter based at Aldridge, said his father took up a volunteer post with the pharmacy team at New Cross Hospital, delivering medication to the wards after reluctantly retiring in 2002.
"He did not want to stop the work he was doing and saw the hospital job as a way of continuing his involvement with people," he added.
Mr Kinsey died last Tuesday at Eversley Nursing Home in Wolverhampton, where he was being cared for after collapsing in April.
He also leaves a widow, Maureen, daughter Shona, 29, and a two-year-old granddaughter, Caitlin. His funeral takes place at Corpus Christi Church in Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton, on Monday at 10.30am. Colleagues from the fire service will form a guard of honour. Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya said today: "Although Mel Kinsey had been retired since 2002 he was still heavily involved with the service as a key member of our Colour Party at events such medal presentations and ceremonial events."
