John Pollard
John Pollard lost his life in the line of duty on 7th July 1988. His Red Plaque was unveiled on 24th October 2026.
41 year old John Pollard was a Chief Constable responsible for Rotherham Fire Brigade. He died on 7th July 1888 from a cardiac arrest on his way to a serious fire on High Street in Rotherham.
At a special ceremony at Rotherham fire station, a red plaque was unveiled in John’s honour alongside four other fallen firefighters; Charles Busby, Patrick Dalton, Dennis Thompson and Enoch Leadbetter. The five fallen fighters will be remembered by colleagues, families and the wider community for many years to come. A one-minute silence was observed, the plaques were blessed by the fire service chaplain and wreaths were laid while a piper from The City of Sheffield Pipe Band played.
Alex Wilson, the FBU’s local organiser in South Yorkshire, said:
“It reminds us in the fire service that despite the passage of time and the improvements in health and safety and PPE and procedure, our profession of firefighting remains sometimes perilous.”
Below are memories added by those who knew John Pollard or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for John Pollard that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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Photo credits: Mark Pinder
