About

About the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial

On National Firefighters Day, 4th May 2024, we inaugurated a new national fire service memorial in Essex. We at the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, along with a grant from the FBU, designed and built a memorial for all firefighters and control staff from around the UK. This new memorial is unique in that we honour firefighters who have died on duty or who have served in the fire service, and we also honour the control staff who are a major part of the service. Our site gives families the opportunity to honour their loved ones at a Red Plaque site set in very serene surroundings. There is a small museum, a statue, gardens and, of course, a memorial wall. To have a plaque at this site, all the family or friends have to do is visit the The Plaque page, which gives all the information. Families have the opportunity to place their loved one's plaque personally. The site was opened by the Mayor of Chelmsford and was attended by union representatives and fire service representatives plus the High Sheriff.

Appeal

This an appeal for anyone that knows of an old Fire Service Control unit or perhaps an old removal lorry that we could convert into a area for displaying all things Fire Control.
If we cant get any of these then we will build something'
Thank you

Outstanding Contribution Award

In the summer Red Knights England 4 were awarded The Outstanding Contribution Award by Essex Fire Service.
We are immensely proud to have been given this award.

About the Red Knights International Firefighters' Motorcycle Club

The Red Knights International Firefighters' Motorcycle Club (RKIFMC) was founded in the United States in 1982 as a fraternal organisation for fire service personnel and their families, with a shared passion for motorcycling. Since then it has grown into a global community with thousands of members across multiple countries, united by the motto "Loyal to Our Duty". Red Knights England 4 Chapter is a social and charitable group, dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of fire service personnel past and present. In keeping with this mission, the Chapter led the creation of the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial in 2024, to commemorate both those who have fallen in the line of duty and those who have served throughout their careers. The Memorial stands as a lasting place of remembrance, reflection and respect, welcoming all who wish to pay tribute to the firefighting community. As well as serving as guardians of the Memorial, the Chapter engages in charitable and social activities throughout the year.

What is the Memorial

The National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial is a commemorative site honouring fire service personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who have passed away after their period of service. It features a beautiful garden of remembrance, a memorial wall displaying the names of fallen firefighters, and a dedicated building housing historical fire service memorabilia. The centrepiece is a striking statue of a firefighter, crafted by acclaimed sculptor Dave Taylor. The Memorial was instituted by the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club England 4 Chapter, with the generous support of the Fire Brigades Union, as well as countless businesses and members of the community, and in collaboration with the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Purpose

Our Memorial serves as a place of reflection, remembrance and reverence. It honours the courage, dedication and sacrifice of firefighters who have bravely faced danger to protect others. It stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to duty and serves as an everlasting reminder of their legacy.

Open to All

The Memorial is open and accessible to members of the public at all times. Whether you're a fire service colleague, a family member, or a member of the community, we invite you to visit and honour the memory of our fallen heroes whenever you wish. Take a moment to reflect, pay your respects, and find solace in this tranquil space. Take a stroll through the garden, read the names on the memorial wall, and admire the craftsmanship of the statue. It's a place of quiet contemplation and profound gratitude.

Plan Your Visit

You can find the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial at the Living Memorial complex in Rettendon, Essex, CM3 8DL. Situated alongside memorials to various military and civilian services, it offers a serene and peaceful setting for visitors to pay their respects. The How to find us page takes you to a map and a video with instructions. Join us in preserving the memory of our courageous firefighters and ensuring that their legacy lives on for generations to come.

Email info@fireservicememorial.org. You can find the Memorial at the Living Memorial complex, Main Rd, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford CM3 8DL.