Keighley firefighter who saved children remembered 40 years on

On the anniversary of the tragic incident, staff from the fire service are showing how his actions, to help save children trapped in a burning house, will never be forgotten.

Jeff Naylor (Image: WYFRS)

A special service is being held next month when Jeff’s family will join fire service personnel to pay tribute.

It was the morning of April 27, 1983, when Jeff was part of a team that responded to a house fire in Keighley. He rushed into the burning building to save trapped children inside with his firefighting partner Steve Harrison. Jeff’s courageous efforts cost the 31-year-old father-of-two his life.

He was the last fireman to die on active duty in West Yorkshire and this year marks the 40th anniversary of his death.

On that morning, firefighters arrived on the scene to discover five children were inside the burning building. Without any regard for his own safety, Jeff Naylor rushed into the building. By the end of the incident the crews had saved three siblings. Two children tragically died.

Three years prior, Jeff also received a commendation for rescuing four children from a fire in Dalton Lane.

Thousands attended the funeral of heroic firefighter Jeff Naylor (Image: WYFRS)

Thousands of people attended his funeral with full fire service honours and he was posthumously awarded with a commendation from Queen Elizabeth II for Gallantry in Saving Life.

To honour him and commemorate what he did, a fire engine was named after him at Keighley Fire Station where he served before his death.

Also, improved protection of firefighter uniforms was introduced nationally as a tribute to him and other firefighters who have paid similar sacrifices.

Eddie Presland, who was a close friend and colleague of Jeff’s, said: “This year marks 40 years since Jeff Naylor gave up his own life so others could live theirs. Not only should we remember him this year but every year hereafter too for reminding us all how precious life is and inspiring us with incredible acts of bravery and courage.”

Jeff fought for his life in the burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield,  but sadly succumbed to his injuries on July 10th.

Nick Smith, assistant chief fire officer, said that important changes have taken place over the last 40 years to help keep firefighters safe.

“Looking back at this tragic incident reminds us how far we have come in the last four decades,” he said. “As we remember Jeff and the sacrifice he made to save others, we can also see how much the service has transformed. We must always keep firefighter safety at the forefront of our minds when it comes to decision-making.”