AN ORNATE memorial bench has been unveiled in the grounds of Malmesbury fire station in tribute to two firefighters from the town.

Steve Mills was killed at Cotswold Airport when a fire-suppression cylinder suddenly discharged and hit him on the head while he was moving it, on April 8, 2011.

Mr Mills, 45, was an on-call firefighter at Malmesbury with 15 years of experience and was also chief fire officer with Kemble Air Services Limited (KAS).

Martyn Snell died in March after a battle with cancer. Mr Snell started his career as a firefighter in Malmesbury in 1969 where he served for 31 years before retiring as officer in charge of the station. He also worked as a hydrant inspector, giving him 43 years of service in total.

Current Malmesbury firefighters wanted to pay tribute to the two men, so commissioned a wrought iron bench to go around a tree that is within the fire station grounds.

The bench was crafted by Chris Evans, the son of a former firefighter, who works at The Iron Works & Gate Company Ltd.

Family and friends of both Mr Mills and Mr Snell gathered at the fire station to see the bench formally dedicated by fire service chaplain, the Rev. John Maxwell, on October 9th.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “The memorial bench is a wonderful tribute to Steve and Martyn, who both loved working for the fire service. To lose them both within a few years was a massive loss to their families but also to the service and the town of Malmesbury.”

He added: “The bench gives views of the river, the road and the fire station itself, so I am certain that local people will enjoy using it for many years to come as somewhere they can rest, perhaps meet with friends, and enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection.”