WATCH: Solemn tribute in honour of Fire Chief

Thursday 13 September 2018

Firefighters yesterday lined the road outside their station in tribute to a former Chief, who passed away two weeks ago.

The funeral was held yesterday for Francis 'Frank' Greene, a former Jersey Fire Chief, and his memory was solemnly honoured by members of the Fire Service who stood to attention as his hearse drove past the Rouge Bouillon fire headquarters.

Mr Greene died at the age of 69 on 30 August.

A guard of honour made up of firefighters paid tribute to Mr Greene on the way to the funeral service, while a fire engine decked in black ribbons escorted the hearse to the crematorium.

Video: A guard of honour and fire engine escort were waiting for Mr Greene's hearse as it processed by the Fire Station on its way to the crematorium.

During his time at the helm of the emergency service, Mr Greene was credited with changing the name to 'Jersey Fire and Rescue' in the year 2000 to reflect the wide variety of rescue operations undertaken by officers beyond firefighting.

Mr Greene retired from Jersey's Fire Service 11 years ago in 2007 after many years of service, and was succeeded by Essex fireman Mark James.

After stepping down, he went on to join the Public Employees Contributory Retirement Scheme's committee of management.

Pictured: The well-known former Fire Chief, Francis 'Frank' Greene, who passed away at the end of August this year.

Yesterday's service was led by Reverend Beverly Sproats, the Rector of St John and tributes to Mr Greene were paid by Acting Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown and his brother, Martin Greene.

It featured the song 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' and an instrumental version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. A wake held at the Hotel Ambassadeur for friends and family to share memories followed.

In lieu of flowers, Mr Greene's family requested that donations be sent to the Fire Service’s benevolent fund.