Braintree: Family pay tribute to hero fire fighter who died on holiday (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Braintree: Family pay tribute to hero fire fighter who died on holiday

11:30am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Carri-Ann Taylor, Reporter

Tributes have been paid to a hero firefighter and devoted family man.

Stuart Townsend, 45, suddenly collapsed and died whilst on holiday with family and friends on the island of Djerba, Tunisia, last Monday.

Mr Townsend was a retained firefighter at Braintree Fire Station for around 18 years and won the Dedication, Commitment and Service award in 2007 after saving a young woman from a house fire.

His last call out had been to a fire in Rosemary Avenue, Braintree on August 25 which devastated two families’ homes.

Mr Townsend of Drake Gardens, Braintree also ran Fairview Window Services and covered rounds across Braintree and Halstead.

He leaves behind wife Pam, 44, daughter Charlotte, 17, son Ben, 20 and twin brother Andrew.

His family said: “Stuart was so caring, he would do anything for anyone and was such a cheeky chappy.

“He was so full of life.”

To read full report, see this week's Times. 

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