Final farewell to popular firefighter and teaching assistant Will

Will Baker died last month, and today his funeral was held in the city.

Mourners sobbed as they said goodbye to their friend.

Will, who along with his fire-fighting role was a teaching assistant at The Phoenix School in Peterborough where he had worked for 16 years restored trucks, and his coffin was carried from the Volunteer Fire Station on Bourges Boulevard in the city centre to the crematorium today.

His colleagues gave him a guard of honour at the sombre service, while a convoy of vintage cars were also in attendance to pay tribute.

His yellow fire fighter helmet was placed on his coffin as he was carried into the crematorium by his colleagues at the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Will had been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. Known for his commitment to the brigade and the people he served, he was always true to the brigade’s motto of ‘always, ready and willing’.

Following his death, PVFB Chief Officer Tony DeMatteis said: “Will was a long serving and well-respected member of the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was kind, caring and loved helping anyone he could without a thought for himself. This has come as a great shock to us all and he will be terribly missed by all that knew him.”

The Phoenix School headteacher Charlotte Whysall said: “Will was the heart of our school community, he was loved and respected by all. We will miss his humour, commitment and passion – nothing was ever too much for Will and he went above and beyond to support our pupils. No one has done more and asked for so little in return.

“Will was the very best of us, he made a huge difference to the lives of all those he came into contact with and will remain in our hearts.”

A just giving page has been set up in Will’s memory to raise money for The Firefighter’s Charity. For details visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kirsty-sweeney2