FIREFIGHTERS and members of the West Midlands community have remembered the four boys who lost their lives a year ago after venturing on to ice at Babbs Mill Lake.
Yesterday (December 10), the fire service held their carol service at St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham.
Last year, the gravity of the incident at Kingshurst was just becoming known as people made their way to the annual service on December 11.
The event was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin, as full details of the tragedy unfolded.
Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown, addressing yesterday’s congregation, said: “It is important I acknowledge that we were unable to meet here last year because of the awful events at Babbs Mill, which so deeply affected our community and many of our staff.
“I know that the families of all four boys will be in our thoughts and prayers this Christmastime.”
On the first anniversary of the tragedy, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is urging people of all ages to ‘think twice, stay off ice’.
Area Manager Martin Ward-White of WMFS, who was the on-scene commander for the incident, said: “Our hearts go out to the boys’ families and friends on this, the first anniversary.
“We can only imagine how painfully difficult the past year has been for them.
“The deaths of Jack, Thomas, Fin and Sam continue to have a profound impact on so many people.
“Cold, winter days are a heartbreaking reminder of what happened at Babbs Mill. They are also a warning to us all.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, how thick the ice appears, or how safe you think it might be. This winter, we are pleading with everyone: think twice, stay off ice.”
