Firefighter who died on duty in 1965 honoured

An Isle of Man firefighter who died in the line of duty in 1965 has been posthumously honoured for his "extraordinary courage and selfless service".

Henry Bertram Kenna has been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, which is named after the late Queen and recognises public servants who died in the line of duty.

Station Officer Kenna collapsed and died after attending a commercial building fire in Douglas on 22 November 1965.

He is among 100 people being posthumously recognised across the British Isles and is the first person on the Isle of Man to receive it.

Mr Kenna attended the blaze on Athol Street on foot as emergency teams were already attending a separate incident.

He entered the building alone to search for people inside, but collapsed after re-emerging from the smoke.

Isle of Man Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer said the award, which will be formally presented to Mr Kenna's family, honours his "selfless actions and ultimate sacrifice" that day.

Sir John said: "This long-overdue recognition honours not only his bravery, but the enduring contribution of our island's emergency services."

Chief Fire Officer Mark Christian said: "The actions of station officer Kenna on that fateful day were nothing short of heroic."

He said he firefighter, who was known to his friends as Bert, "showed no hesitation in entering the building to try and help others and, tragically, made the ultimate sacrifice".

"We are immensely proud to see station officer Kenna and his family recognised for his bravery and selflessness," he added.

The Elizabeth Emblem was extended to the Crown Dependencies and devolved administrations last year.

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