News
Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly last week
The 44-year-old was described as 'caring and dedicated'.
Emily Sergeant -
9th September 2024 
Tributes have been paid to a ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly at his home last week.
Francois Childs, who was better known as ‘Frankie’ to his friends and family, served on Green Watch at Broughton Community Fire Station in Salford, where he had been based since joining Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) in January 2018.
Frankie joined GMFRS following a career in banking, and serving with the machine gun platoon of the Bury Fusiliers.
But the 44-year-old sadly passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home in Prestwich last Tuesday (3 September).
The former Army reservist leaves behind wife Sarah, two children, his parents, and three brothers.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Firefighter Francois ‘Frankie’ Childs, who passed away suddenly yesterday.
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) September 6, 2024
Frankie, 44, had been a much-loved member of Green Watch at Broughton fire station for more than six years.
RIP Frankie 💔 pic.twitter.com/TN2W7APG7T
As well as being a dedicated GMFRS firefighter, Frankie was also one of 12 Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members who volunteered their time to travel to France to support the Care 4 Calais Charity back in November of 2023.
Paying tribute to Frankie following his sad passing, Sarah Nattrass, who is the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery at GMFRS, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.”
The FBU has also paid a touching tribute.
“The charity could not provide this support without dedicated and caring people like Frankie,” an FBU spokesperson said.
Read more:
- Family pay tribute to ‘caring and hardworking’ woman who died in Bury as police appeal for information
- Greater Manchester’s fire service revealed as ‘most improved’ in UK
- Poignant photos show Manchester firefighters lining streets for funeral of late colleague
“His support will not be forgotten by the FBU or by the many people his efforts undoubtedly helped contributed to making refugees lives better.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
