The tragic story of an Ealing firefighter who lost his life on his last shift before retiring had an uplifting ending - as colleagues tracked down his grandson to see a plaque unveiled in his memory.

The crew based at Ealing fire station successfully tracked down the relative of Sub Officer Leslie Arthur Tucker, who sadly fell to his death during his final shift on December 4, 1966, while responding to a late night shout.

Sub Officer Arthur accidentally opened the door to the pole house and fell the 16 feet to the ground, on his last ever day of duty before retirement.

He died from his injuries eight days later in hospital, after having completed 37 years of service.

Sub Officer Tucker's grandson meets firefighters at Ealing Fire Station

The social media appeal to trace his family reached as far as Australia, and prompted a distant relative to get in touch with grandson Paul Clayton, who lives in Bedfordshire.

As a mark of respect, the Brigade has now erected a plaque at Ealing Fire Station to honour Sub Officer Tucker.

Mr Clayton, who went to the service held last Friday (19 May) to honour of his grandfather, said: “I am touched, honoured and incredibly proud.

"My grandfather is someone I have heard stories about, but he died before I was born so I didn’t know much about him.

"To hear stories of what he has done, his achievements and the commitment he had to the fire service, makes me really touched and full of pride.

"He was well respected and helped the community. He was much loved by his family and friends and dearly missed.”

Firefighters appealed to find family and friends of Sub Officer Leslie Arthur Tucker

Red Watch Manager at Ealing Fire Station, Mark Lanaway, co-ordinated the special event and was retiring on the day of the service after 30 years with the Brigade.

He said: "It was a sad and tragic story but we hope this plaque will be a fitting way to remember him but also celebrate his 37 years of service."

The plaque is now displayed on the wall near the fire pole on the ground floor of Ealing Fire Station.

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