22/12/08: A GUARD of honour stood in silent tribute at retired Exmouth firefighter Phil Webber s funeral on Monday morning. Mr Webber retired after 30 years in the service in July 2004 after joining up at the age of 22.
22/12/08: A GUARD of honour stood in silent tribute at retired Exmouth firefighter Phil Webber's funeral on Monday morning.
Mr Webber retired after 30 years in the service in July 2004 after joining up at the age of 22.
A packed chapel at Exeter Crematorium heard how Mr Webber, from Cullompton, died suddenly earlier this month.
Mourners attending the short service heard of his three loves - his wife Sharon, their children and the fire service.
Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue Service chief Paul Young headed the guard of honour as Mr Webber's coffin was carried into the chapel.
Two fire appliances and score of firefighters turned out as a mark of respect for their former colleague.
Before serving at Exmouth fire station on green watch Mr Webber joined red watch at Exeter.
During his time in the fire service he was awarded the Long Service medal and Queen's Jubilee medal.
Probably his most memorable 'shout' was in 1986 when he stood for three hours 100 feet in the air battling to fight the fire at Ottons iron mongers, in Fore Street, Exeter.
Mr Webber was also one of the first on scene to go into and asses a burning Politimore House, which was eventually gutted by the blaze.
Mr Webber said he had forced to withdraw after the flames filled all the cavities of the stately home and could be seen flickering through the floorboards beneath him.
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