Firefighters’ guard of honour after death of colleague

Michael Cope served at Hanley and Leek Fire Stations for many years dining along career

- By Thomas Cooper

FIREFIGHTERS formed a guard of honour as they remembered a colleague who dedicated his life to saving others in Stoke-on-Trent and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

‘The funeral of Fire Station Officer Michael Cope, who served at Leek Fire Station until 1996, was today held in the town where he ended his career. The cortege passed by Leek Fire Station on the way to the church with firefighters lining up to show their respects.

Michael first joined the service in Manchester back in the 1960s, before a series of promotions eventually led him to Staffordshire. He would later go on to become an Assistant Divisional Officer in Hanley.

Tragically, Michael died at the age of 78 on May 23 at the Royal Stoke University Hospital following a battle against aspirated pneumonia and early-onset dementia. But a service to celebrate his life was attended by dozens of well-wishers.

Speaking ahead of the service, son Paul Cope said: “He saw a lot of action over the years, particularly when he was starting out.