KNYSNA NEWS - The VIPs at the memorial service for fallen firefighter Bradley Richards were the firefighters who battled the inferno that devastated large parts of Plettenberg Bay – despite having President Jacob Zuma in attendance.
Hundreds of friends, family, colleagues and Plett residents paid their respects to Richards at a memorial service at the Plettenberg Bay Community Church on Thursday, June 15.
Richards (24), a volunteer fighter and member of the Plett South Fire Management Unit, died in the George Mediclinic after sustaining severe burns while fighting the crippling fire that started sweeping through the town on June 7.
About 1 000 residents fled their homes as a precaution, and the fire went on to destroy about 30 homes.
Among the large group of mourners – so many that some had to stand in the foyer during the service as there was no space left in the church – was Zuma and several other of his ministers.
Arriving after the service had started, Zuma quietly entered the church and waited for his turn to address mourners.
“We as South Africans feel the pain with you. You are not alone. The entire country is with you,” Zuma said during his time on the podium.
He added that Richards had given up his own life to protect the lives of others. “On behalf of government and the nation, we send our condolences and sympathy to the family.”
Also among those who attended was fellow volunteer firefighter Ian Barnard, who showed up at the memorial heavily bandaged. He had been with Richards when they became trapped in the fire that claimed his young friend's life. Barnard also sustained serious burn wounds to his head and hands when he tried to save Richards and escape the flames.
About Barnard, Zuma said that he was “one of the heroes who survived”.
During a very moving moment, Pastor Johan Coetzee, who led the service, asked all the firefighters – most of whom appeared very emotional – in attendance to stand. The congregation broke out in applause in celebration of Richards and his fellow firefighters.
In a very poignant tribute, which was read out on behalf of Richards’ family, he was described as someone who treated everyone equally and who cared about people. It was mentioned that even on a hike he would always make sure that no one was left behind. He brought people together.
Coetzee described Richards as an ambassador of the “kingdom of God”. “He was a peacemaker,” Coetzee said.
Click here to view a gallery of the memorial service.
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