A mural has been unveiled at Whitechapel Fire Station commemorating two London firefighters who lost their lives responding to a fire in 2004.
Firefighters Billy Faust and Adam Meere, Whitechapel Red Watch, were among fifty firefighters who attended a fire in Bethnal Green on 20 July 2004. Upon entering the building as a pair wearing Breathing Apparatus, they became trapped in the building’s basement following an explosion.
Fellow firefighters at the scene immediately began to carry out an operation to reach Billy and Adam, who were rescued with severe injuries. Sadly, both passed away shortly after arriving at hospital. Adam, aged 27 at the time of his death, had only qualified as a firefighter three months earlier. Billy, aged 36, had served at Whitechapel Fire Station for seven years.
Twenty years on, Billy and Adam feature in a mural at the fire station where they served. Designed by local artist David Speed, in his distinctive style that incorporates neon paintings in bold fluorescent colours, the mural stands prominently on the side the station, visible to the public travelling along Commercial Road. David was approached to paint the mural by Firefighter Carl Taylor, Whitechapel Blue Watch, who had seen the artists work at an exhibition.
Serving firefighters from across the Brigade were joined by Billy and Adam's families, as well as retired firefighters and officers that served with them, for the mural unveiling. This was followed by a private memorial service in Bethnal Green and a wreath laying service near the site of the fire.
Retired Station Officer Jon Scott, who served with Billy and Adam, shared his memories of the firefighters: “Losing Billy and Adam in 2004 was an incredibly difficult time for everybody at Whitechapel and surrounding stations and remains so to this day.
“We've never forgotten them, but through this mural and hard work of artist David Speed, their names have been introduced to a whole new audience with this mural, ensuring their memory never dies.”
Richard Tapp, Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets said: “It’s incredibly important for us in Tower Hamlets to remember Billy and Adam, and I’m proud that Whitechapel Fire Station will help achieve that with this memorial. David’s mural is an incredible addition to the station that honours two dedicated firefighters, that also fits with the spirit and culture of the borough.”
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Twenty years ago, Billy and Adam's families, friends and colleagues experienced unimaginable pain with their loss. We know that firefighting is a dangerous job, but that does not make the loss of any firefighter easier.
“I’m grateful we now have this mural in their memory, and that people from across the Brigade have joined with Adam and Billy’s families to unveil it. It’s important for us as an organisation to remember, and for us to work hard in ensuring firefighters are as safe as possible when responding to emergencies.”