Tributes continued to pour in for fireman Henry Knox, who died during a search-and-rescue operation in Centurion after floods engulfed the area.
Knox, who served the fire brigade for 24 years before his tragic death, has been described as a committed fireman who didn’t think twice about rescuing anybody in danger.
His brother, Donn Knox, said Henry would have taken his death as part of his job and that made his family even more proud of him.
He had worked at all 14 fire stations in Tshwane and commanded the respect of his colleagues, who were distraught after learning of his untimely death at the Kaal River on Monday afternoon.
Senior management of the Tshwane Community Safety Department, led by community safety MMC Dikeledi Lehobye and head of department Brigadier Matlhomola Manganye, visited his family and assured them that they would support the family throughout their ordeal.
“We have lost an experienced firefighter and committed member of this department, so this is painful to all the members of this department and the residents of this city,” said Lehobye. “The fact that he died trying to save other people’s lives shows how brave he was and we will continue to embrace his bravery.”
Donn said that his brother had always been a “tough guy”, which was why he had joined the fire brigade.
“He would never consider himself a hero, but accepted that as just part of his job. It is hard to believe that he is gone, but we know that he is in the right place,” he said.
DA councillor Dana Wannenburg said it was unusual for the city to lose a firefighter and that as councillors, they would offer their support and assistance to the family.
Councillors of the FF-Plus also expressed their sympathy to Knox’s family, management and co-workers at the community safety department. “The FF Plus councillors in the Tshwane Metro Council have with shock taken note of the drowning of the fireman, Henry Knox, of the Wonderboom Fire Department on Monday.
“It is tragic that he died while on duty while he was trying to save another person’s life,” said FF-Plus councillor Piet Uys.
Knox’s funeral service will take place on Friday at the Charis Church, Lavender Road, in Wonderboom at 11am. - Pretoria News