Funeral Of Popular Firefighter

The funeral of a popular Harborough district firefighter takes place today after he died suddenly aged 38.

Jon Partridge, who was born and raised in Billesdon, died in February following a ‘medical emergency’.

He had served his community for 18 years, through his role as Watch Manager at Billesdon’s on-call Fire Station and working in Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Prevention Team.

Jon Partridge

Following Jon’s death, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service  issued a statement saying: “The service lost one of its own. The whole service is devastated and shocked at the tragic loss. Jon will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

As a mark of respect, flags were flown at half-mast at fire stations across the county.

Road closures will be in place in Billesdon before and after the service at St John the Baptist Church at 11am, to allow for the funeral procession, which which will include a fire engine and go from Jon’s home to the church and then to the cemetery, passing by the fire station.

The closures will be in place between 10.30am and 2pm on Vicarage Close, Gaulby Road, from its junction with Vicarage Close to its junction with Rolleston Road, Rolleston Road, from Billesdon Fire Station to its junction with Church Street/Brook Lane, Church Street, from its junction with Brook Lane/Rolleston Road to St John the Baptist Church, Brook Lane and Uppingham Road.