Guards of honour for much-loved Staffordshire firefighter after Covid death
Firefighters have paid tribute to their much-loved colleague who died last month after contracting coronavirus.
Colleagues of Alec Elwell formed guards of honour at fire stations in Staffordshire on Wednesday, while flags were raised to half mast.
Mr Elwell, a former crew manager, died on January 16 after catching Covid-19. He had been receiving hospital treatment before his death aged 48.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a touching tribute on Facebook, accompanied with a love heart, which said: "Today we paid our respects to our much loved and missed colleague, crew manager Alec Elwell.
"A guard of honour was formed by eight of Alec's colleagues and on-duty watches and other station personnel paraded at Rugeley and Stafford stations.
"Service flags are also flying at half mast as a mark of respect.
"Our thoughts are with Alec's family and friends at this difficult time."
Mr Elwell transferred to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service from the London Fire Brigade in October 2005.
He served at a number of stations across the county during his career, most recently at Hanley Fire Station.
Following his death, Chief Fire Officer Becci Bryant said: "We are devastated and shocked at the sudden loss of our colleague.
"Alec will be greatly missed by his many friends across the service, especially those who were privileged to work directly alongside him.
"Alec was popular, highly respected, and a dedicated firefighter, who was committed to making a difference to the communities he served.
"The thoughts of everyone at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are with Alec’s partner Kirsty, children Ellisia and Theo, and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
