TRIBUTES have been paid to Dorset's former Chief Fire Officer, Darran Gunter, who has died aged 55 - with his devastated sons describing him as an inspirational and selfless hero who gave everything in life his absolute best.
A beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and friend, Mr Gunter spent more than 30 years in the service.
He died yesterday after fighting a long battle with cancer.
Mr Gunter was born in the small town of Blaina in the South Wales Valleys in 1966. He joined Gwent Fire Service in 1983 where he was quickly promoted to lead firefighter before relocating to Birmingham with the West Midlands Fire Service. While there, Mr Gunter progressed to station manager and continued his academic studies with a diploma in Management Studies and an MBA at Birmingham University.
He later went on to join Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as Assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2001 based in Dorchester, before progressing to Chief Fire Officer and later overseeing the amalgamation of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in April 2016.
During his time in charge of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Gunter oversaw a new focus on prevention which coincided with a reduction in fire-related deaths in the county. He was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal in 2015.
He retired from the fire service in November 2016 after 34 years of service.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 33 years, Alison, as well as his two sons, Rhys and David, as well as his parents and granddaughter.
Current Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ansell, said: “Darran worked tirelessly to achieve the combination of Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue services and had the honour of being our first Chief Fire Officer.
"He was a husband to Alison, dad to David and Rhys, and a proud grandfather. Everyone in the Service sends his family and friends our sincere condolences and support during this most difficult time.”
In a touching tribute to their father, Darran’s sons, David and Rhys Gunter, said: “Our Dad was nothing but an inspiration, as a colleague, a dad, a husband, a son, a grandfather and as a friend. He gave everything in life his absolute best, selflessly always considering others. We are so proud of his achievements in his personal life and professional career.
“Dad has fought many battles, and his battle with cancer was something he tackled headfirst. He overcame so many hurdles with his illness. With his doctors and nurses continually commenting on his bravery and willingness to never give up for his family surrounding him.
“He was our fighter and our hero. His kindness, determination and courage is something we have admired and will admire every single day.
“We will never forget you Dad and all the memories we’ve shared. As a family, and on Dad’s behalf, we would like to thank all the NHS staff involved in his care.”
As a mark of respect all flags at fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire were flown at half-mast yesterday.
The family is welcoming donations to Weldmar Hospicecare and Fortuneswell Cancer Trust in his memory. Details on Mr Gunter's funeral will be shared in due course.
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