Shirley Towers fire: Plaque unveiled for fallen firefighters

Flower wreaths were laid by the plaque at St Mary’s fire station in memory of Alan Bannon and James ‘Jim’ Shears who died while fighting a large-scale blaze at the 16-storey high-rise block in April 2010.

The tragedy led to changes to fire safety rules and regulations after an inquest in 2012 established the need for improved safety measures to protect firefighters.

Alan Bannon [left] and James Shears (Image: Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service)

The ceremony on Friday was attended by family, friends and colleagues of the fallen firefighters alongside senior Fire Brigades Union (FBU) officials.

Following speeches from FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack and Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin, the plaque was unveiled and a minute’s silence was held outside the fire station.

Abigail Bannon, 18, who was only five when her dad Alan died, said the ceremony and the number of attendees reflected the impact her father had on people.

Abigail Bannon,18, unveiling the new plaque (Image: Fire Brigades Union)

Speaking to the Echo, she said: “What happened today just goes to show how many people supported him and how many people have come together to remember him and it just goes to show that he left a massive impression on everyone he met.

“He’s my hero, he will always be my hero.”

She added: “He always wanted to be a fireman and he always wanted to save lives and he ended up doing that.”

Families of Alan Bannon and James Shears by the new plaque (Image: Fire Brigades Union)

Carla Shears, 46, of Poole said it was an “honour” to represent and remember her late husband, James.

She has run every year, except in 2020, to fundraise for The Firefighters Charity which supported her when she lost her husband.

She said: “Every year since we have run the New Forest Marathon.

“We raise money for the firefighter’s charity, and we have raised around £30,000 over the years.”

During the ceremony, Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin, paid tribute to the former firemen.

He said: “Their memory reminds us that heroes walk among us, often in plain sight, ready to save lives even if it means risking their own lives.”