Firefighters were called to Croydon Minster when the the line to the flagpole snapped, leaving the historic building unable to fly its Union Flag at half-mast.
With a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, fast approaching and the flag now in a precarious position, the Reverend Cannon from the Minster knocked on the door of Croydon Fire Station asking for help.
A running call was made and the attendance of one of the Brigade’s new 64-metre turntable ladders requested. Leading Firefighter Nigel Percival went up 45 metres in the cage and made a fast repair, allowing the flag to continue to be flown at half-mast.
Leading Firefighter Dale Juckes from Croydon Red Watch, said: “It was nice to be able to help the local church, especially knowing what being able to fly the flag at half-mast at such an important time means to them.”
The Brigade was called at 1147 and the incident was over for firefighters by 1226. Fire crews from Croydon and Wimbledon fire stations attended the scene.