HAMPSHIRE'S fire service staff have shared memories of the Queen visiting its HQ in Eastleigh.
Following the death of Her Majesty, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have recounted when the Queen visited Hampshire Fire Brigade headquarters.
Flags atop of fire stations across the country are currently flying at full mast in line with national protocol following the proclamation in London of King Charles III.
But on Sunday afternoon, these will once again be lowered to half-mast for the remaining period of national mourning.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said: “On behalf of all colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service I express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“It’s an incredibly sad time for us all and I pay tribute to the unfaltering commitment she showed to a life dedicated to public service and duty. As our longest-reigning monarch, she was steadfast in her support to our nation.
“Some of my colleagues and former colleagues will have cherished memories of the day the Queen visited us in Eastleigh for the opening of the Hampshire Fire Brigade headquarters, as we were then known.
READ MORE: In pictures: Southampton comes together to mourn Queen Elizabeth II
“Those awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal, and other jubilee medals from across her reign, will always wear them with pride".
Mr Podin added that he was "deeply honoured" to be awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours list in June.
“As the country now unites to mourn, our thoughts and best wishes are with His Majesty King Charles III and the entire Royal Family" he said.
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