Bernard Rodda past away on 24th February 2022 aged 90 years. He retired from the County of Avon Fire Brigade in August 1987.
Comments from some former colleagues:
I well remember the day Bernie Joined back in the early sixties becoming a member of Red Watch Bridewell. We became very good friends both at work and outside Bernie was a first class tradesman and one of the best all rounders there was and he was a first class fireman . I knew his wife Greta and remember his children at a very young age . I believe one of his sons also joined the brigade. In later years our careers took different directions but I will always remember as a first class friend and an excellent colleague. I welcome this opportunity to be able to pay tribute to his memory. Brian
Here are my recollections of Bernard Rodda. When I joined Bristol FS in 1966, Bern was already a fireman on Red Watch, Bridewell. I believe he had been in the Army and had taken an apprenticeship as a Blacksmith and on leaving the Army he transferred his skills to plumbing. I think Bern lived in the Fishponds area. I his son joined Avon Fire Brigade at some time. Bern’s wife worked at M&S in Broadmead sometime in the 1970s. My recollection of Bern was of a genial character who got on well with everybody. Richard.
I knew him through the FSNBF back in the late 70s and up until his retirement in 1987. He was at B7 Kingswood in those days and was the station representative and a regular attendee at B Division council meetings, I believe he was on White Watch. I think he originally hailed from Devon sounding very much like my late Grandfather who was a Devon boy! His son Kevin Rodda was also in the Brigade joining a little while after me and serving on Red Watch at B6 Speedwell. Mike.
Bernard is 3rd from right front row. How many others do you recognise?
Photo taken circa 1963 red watch Bridewell.
AF&RS Pensioners Association Secretary & Treasurer. NARF District No. 7 Chairman & Treasurer
Pensioners Association 
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