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IN REMEMBRANCE

July 7 1980 to July 4 2023

Dates of service

November 1999
to
July 2023

The disappearance of Crew Manager Iain Hughes (42) in June 2023 was devastating for Iain’s family and friends, and all of us here at West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS).

After two years’ intensive training, Iain had been attempting to swim the English Channel to raise funds for three charities.

Tragically, he went missing during the swim. His body was later located in waters off Belgium.

Iain was married and had two children. He joined WMFS in 1999, at the age of 19, and went on to serve at several of our fire stations. He was a highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend to many.

If you would like to share memories of Iain, or express your condolences to his family, please do so here.

Iain Hughes

Crew Manager

Iain Hughes

7 July 1980 - 4 July 2023

Dates of service

November 1999 to July 2023

Serving locations

Bournbrook Fire Station
Billesley Fire Station
Tipton Fire Station
Wolverhampton Fire Station
Tettenhall Fire Station
Bilston Fire Station
Brierley Hill Fire Station
Stourbridge Fire Station
Wednesbury Fire Station (Technical Rescue)

The disappearance of Crew Manager Iain Hughes (42) in June 2023 was devastating for Iain’s family and friends, and all of us here at West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS).

After two years’ intensive training, Iain had been attempting to swim the English Channel to raise funds for three charities.

Tragically, he went missing during the swim. His body was later located in waters off Belgium.

Iain was married and had two children. He joined WMFS in 1999, at the age of 19, and went on to serve at several of our fire stations. He was a highly-respected and much-loved colleague and friend to many.

If you would like to share memories of Iain, or express your condolences to his family, please do so here.

Jennifer McDermott
From
SRIKDU Subang Jaya International School
From the staff and students of Miss Jen's International History class in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our deepest condolences for your loss. So sad to hear of this happening. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From Miss Jen and class 8B
Kevin Roberts
From
Durham and Darlington fire and rescue
R.i.p comrade you have done your duty now stand down and join the crew of heros
Tracy H
I was so sad hearing this story as it happened. A couple of times I've googled- as the search I've thought was called off too soon. Just looked and saw they thankfully have found you.

My condolences to your family- may time help them heal as well as this closure. Well done for the charity you were doing. Much respect of you and well wishes sent to your family! Sorry for your loss!
Bridget Gregory
Thinking of you today and always Iain and Sending all my love and strength to your loved ones.
Karen Ward
to my beloved Mel Grayson Eden I am absolutely devasted to hear of your loss The pain must be unbearable How will you understand why God took such kind loving charitable fire fighter?? If you ever need to talk 07795073764 All my love Karen and my Springer Dotti xxx
Jayne Keay
Taken whilst considering others. Rest in peace. Condolences,thoughts and prayers to family who should be immensely proud of Iain's selfless endeavour.
Alexander Milligan
R.I.P brother, may there always be an angel by your side. Ex Glasgow Fire Service.
So sad to hear of Iain’s passing. We share your grief and know what you’re going through as a family with our own recent heartache. Be proud of your man and what he achieved, one hell of a guy. RIP Iain

Wheatley Family
David William Vaatstra
From
South Wales fire & rescue service
RiP Iain, from all in SWF&RS,
William Bye
Didn't know you Brother, but RIP and Condolences to your remaining family.
Tom Hartley
I remember the first day Iain came to Bournbrook fire station as a probationer firefighter. He had an innocent quality about him for such a powerful man. Everyime he was called to duty there appeared to be a wonder in his eyes and always a willingness to give 100%. A man who worked and played hard. An outstanding achiever. He was a great addition to a great Watch, getting on well with everyone. I will miss him. RIP Iain.
Paul Hartill
Never knew you but someone had a Lead Fire Fighter as a Dad, and felt I should thank you for your service, courage and dedication to the communities you kept safe for many years.

Such a sad loss for your family, friends and colleagues in the fire service.

Hopefully it is some consolation to see so many words of sympathy and support.

God Bless ....RIP x

Your contribution should quite rightly
Neil Layland
From
Ex south wales fire and rescue service
My condolences to the family and the service family, very sad times.
Joanna Flynn
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. 🙏🕊️❤️
Janet Adams
Stand down, rest easy your time is done. Your service & selfless actions are appreciated more than you could have ever imagined. Thank You.
Paul Donnelly
R I. P
David Smith
From
HEREFORD &WORCESTER FRS (Retired
Thoughts and prayers go out to Iain Hughes family friends and West Midland Fire Service colleagues at this very difficult time. Taken from us whilst raising funds for charity, stand Down Iain, duty done. R.I.P. in Peace
Thorpe
❤️

From one thin red line family to another. We are with you.
roberta Gray
Thanks for your service to the community
Kirsty Potts
Thoughts are with the family at the sad time... RIP IAN.... 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Jayne Evans
God bless a true hero fly high x
Vicky Smith
From
CICU, Sydney Children’s Hospital
Iain



We work with your beautiful sister Michelle. While we live on the other side of the world we heard so many wonderful things about you that it truly felt like we knew you.

We could feel how well loved you are as an amazing brother, husband, son, dad, firefighter and hero.



So much love to all your family.



From all the nurses, doctors and staff in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit, Sydney xx
Shaun Dakin
Hughsey I can’t believe you’ve gone, but no way will you ever be forgotten.

Those big folded arms

The soft chuckle

The dry sense of humour

The fantastic officer

The fantastic family man

RIP Iain you’ll never be forgotten

Shaun
Thinking of your family and friends today. Such a tragic loss to a young firefighter. RIP
VICTORIA Stone
You gave your life for others in charity and work...you were a all round angel on earth .now your a angel of the heavens sending love and light to guide all that will need it.

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