Plaque unveiled to Carrickfergus firefighter Stuart Hilditch

David Hilditch MLA with his son, Michael and grandchildren, Jack and Paige, at the unveiling of the plaque to Stuart.

A plaque to Stuart, who died on September 10 last year following a courageous battle with illness, was unveiled by members of his family at the Lancasterian Street premises this week.

Two of his children, Paige and Jack, were joined by Stuart’s brother, Michael and father, David, at the station.

David, a DUP MLA for East Antrim, said: “So proud to be at Carrickfergus Fire Station tonight for Paige and Jack to unveil the memorial plaque for their dad.

The NIFRS tribute to their former colleague at the Lancasterian Street station.

“The support of the local brigade for the family will never be forgotten over the last couple of years, thank you.”

Stuart joined the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in 2005 and firefighters formed a guard of honour at his funeral in 2019.

Mourners at the service heard the 38-year-old father-of-three was “a terrific fireman, much liked as evidenced today by the attendance of his colleagues from the local station - his extended family”.

Stuart, a former council worker too, was a well-known figure in football circles having played for Carrick Rangers, Barn Utd, Islandmagee and Wellington Rec. He also represented Northern Ireland at youth level (read more here).

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