Also known as: Tony.
Born November 22nd 1957, youngest child of John Jorden (Jack) and Rita Hall, brother to Derek and Barbara. Tony grew up and was educated in the East Durham village of Horden.
In his youth he was a member of The Church Lads Brigade at the Parish of St Mary’s Horden where he was a drummer in the band and a younger member of both the church choir and youth club for many years, Tony was confirmed into the church at the age of 11. I was confirmed at the same time, and also involved in the same church organisations. We used to love the Annual Battalion Parade at Durham Cathedral, meeting up with friends from the other brigades, taking part in the worship and then marching around the Palace Green. The highlight afterwards was the picnic on the riverside and then the bus journey home. Tony also enjoyed the youth camps with the Church Brigade and his school trips abroad. Always great friends, there was a special bond between us from this early age.
After leaving school at 16, Tony was unsuccessful at his first attempt of joining the Fire Service as a junior recruit but went on to succeed in an apprenticeship as a sewing machine mechanic working in a local factory at Blackhall then Hartlepool. He enjoyed the work and the friendly banter from the women at the factory but he lacked the satisfaction of being able to help others in the way his heart desired. He was also a keen supporter of Sunderland and Chelsea football clubs regularly draping both scarves round his neck as his teams were playing!
After our marriage in early October 1978, Tony’s long time ambition of being a fireman was achieved and he entered the Fire Service in May 1979. Tony was at last following in the footsteps of his proud dad Jack, who, after 30 years working in various fire stations within the Durham area, finished his career as a Station Officer at Peterlee, retiring in June 1974. After his 14 weeks training at Framwellgate Moor Durham, Tony was himself stationed at Peterlee. He was soon making excellent progress in a short space of time and thoroughly loved his job, confidently passing all his exams with ease, such was his determination and ambition for the future. In his own words he wanted ‘to work his way up the ladder’ aiming to achieve the highest rank possible within the Fire Service that he could.
We were looking forward to a two week caravan holiday in the Lake District following Tony’s last night shift and were planning plenty of walks in the countryside and relaxing together. As I waved Tony off to work, he was hoping that it wouldn’t be as busy as the previous evening as they had been in and out all the time.
Tragically, in the early hours of Sunday September 5th 1982, while responding to an emergency call, the fire-appliance left the road and crashed into a ditch, leaving Tony (24) and Fireman John Donley (26), who were both seated in the rear of the cab, fatally injured at the scene. (Following the accident all fire-appliances were modified with reinforced cabs which would help to ensure the safety of all Personnel from any equipment falling through). Three other crew members were taken to hospital due to their injuries. This was devastating news to all the families involved, especially as I was expecting our first child and John left a wife Sue and 4 month old daughter, Claire. The days following the accident are still a little bit blurred in my memory due to the shock, but the kindness shown in the form of visits by our work colleagues, friends and neighbours, Fire Service Officers and Personnel, and all the letters and cards received were greatly appreciated by all the family.
Adam Jorden, a name chosen by Tony and myself only a week before the accident, was safely delivered 3 weeks early on February 3rd 1983. Tears of joys for his birth were mixed with many tears of sorrow for Tony’s absence.
Tony, is most remembered for the love of his family, a devoted loyal and much loved husband, son and brother, son/brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, and friend to many. His service to the community during his time in the Fire Service was of the greatest pride to him, which gives the family comfort in his loss from our lives.
Tony, you were taken from us all at such a young age and not given the chance for us to grow old together or for you to see your son grow up to be a fine young man, but we take some comfort in knowing that you died in the line of duty doing the job you loved. You are remembered every day in our thoughts and prayers and will be loved by us all forever. Some people say that time is a great healer, I disagree, we just learn to cope. The passing of time will never diminish the precious memories we have of you, we will continue to talk about you and keep your memory alive. Tony you were everything to those that knew you, and the best friend and husband I could ever have wished for.
Memorials have been left in honour of both Tony and John at Peterlee Fire Station, in the Chapel at the Fire-Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire, Harcombe House Exeter, and also on the National Fire- Brigade Memorial Statue outside St. Pauls Cathedral, London. Tony also has memorials at St. Mary’s Church, Horden and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the Chapel of The Guild of All Souls, Norfolk. A touching tribute was also left at the scene of the accident to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their deaths by Personnel from Peterlee Fire Station.
Finally, on behalf of all the family, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the ‘Fire Service Family’ who have supported us during and since this tragic event which changed all our lives. God Bless you all.
Gill
Added by: Gillian Hall on 5 September 2011.
Comments
Tony you were a wonderful brother.We shared many happy times together and i think about you every day.God bless till we meet again.Your loving sister Barbara xx The pain of loosing you never goes away. Remembered with love in my thoughts and prayers every day. Barbara Varley writes [8 September 2011]:
Rita Hall writes [5 September 2011]:
Mam x
Return to the top of the page...
add comments
Please mark your visit to this page with a few words, it all helps to keep the memories alive.
additional images
Click the thumbnails below to view as the main image.
charity information
Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.