Whitechapel: Mural unveiled in honour of fallen firefighter duo

A mural has been unveiled in central London in honour of two firefighters who died while responding to a fire 20 years ago.

Adam Meere and Billy Faust died tackling a fire at a three-storey building in Bethnal Green on 20 July 2004.

Local artist David Speed was commissioned to paint the mural on the side of Whitechapel fire station.

The men are the most recent London firefighters to have died responding to an emergency.

The families of Mr Meere and Mr Faust attended the event, alongside the London fire commissioner, retired and serving staff.

The mural was blessed by the London Fire Brigade’s chaplain.

Richard Tapp, who is borough commander for Tower Hamlets, said the mural was an “incredible” addition to the fire station, honouring both men.

Retired station officer Jon Scott, who served with Mr Meere and Mr Faust, shared his memories of the pair.

“Losing Billy and Adam in 2004 was an incredibly difficult time for everybody at Whitechapel and surrounding stations and remains so to this day,” he said.

“We’ve never forgotten them. But through this mural and hard work of artist David Speed, their names have been introduced to a whole new audience, ensuring their memory never dies.”

London’s fire commissioner, Andy Roe, said: “Twenty years ago, Billy and Adam’s families, friends and colleagues experienced unimaginable pain with their loss.

“We know that firefighting is a dangerous job but that does not make the loss of any firefighter easier.

“I’m grateful we now have this mural in their memory.”

Mr Faust and Mr Meere were among 50 firefighters who attended a fire in Bethnal Green on 20 July 2004.

After entering the building, the pair became trapped in the basement following an explosion.

They were rescued with severe injuries and died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Mr Meere, who was 27, had only qualified as a firefighter three months earlier.

Mr Faust, 36, had served at Whitechapel fire station for seven years.