Northern Ireland

Long-serving firefighter killed in Co Derry motorcycle crash

David Brown was a crew commander at Magherafelt Fire Station
David Brown was a crew commander at Magherafelt Fire Station David Brown was a crew commander at Magherafelt Fire Station

A LONG-serving Co Derry firefighter and "true gentleman" has been named as the victim of a weekend motorcycle crash.

Magherafelt father-of-three David Brown (54) died in a one vehicle collision on the Magherafelt Road in Moneymore on Friday.

He was off-duty at the time.

Mr Brown served for more than 20 years at Magherafelt Fire Station and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it is "deeply saddened" at the tragic loss of a colleague.

"David served the community in Magherafelt with distinction for 22 years where he responded to incidents night and day. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues at Magherafelt Station and across NIFRS, " a spokesperson said.

"NIFRS is providing appropriate support to David’s family and colleagues at this difficult time."

A host of tributes were also paid online to a "true gentleman" from colleagues and members of other divisions.

One described the fire fighter as a "pleasure to work with", while another hailed him as a "true gent and excellent officer".

The PSNI in Magherafelt also paid tribute.

"Over the years we have regularly worked alongside David at many incidents, he was a big part of the Blue Light Family," they said in a Facebook post.

Mr Brown joined the Fire Service in November 1997, serving as a retained firefighter at Magherafelt Fire Station, before being promoted to the position of crew commander in July 2012.

He is survived by wife Geraldine and children; Laura, Emma and Andrew. Mr Brown was also a grandfather of six.

His funeral will leave his family home in Magherafelt at 1.30pm on Tuesday for service in Calvary Free Presbyterian Church at 2.15pm. This will be followed by burial in Polepatrick Cemetery.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash.