Ray Southard – 19.02.2026

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Ian Satherley BEM — Leave a comment

Raymond (Ray) Southard passed away on 19th February 2026 aged 90 years,

Ray joined Bristol Fire Brigade in January 1960. Serving at Ashton, Bridewell, and Southmead Stations. As Coxswain at Avonmouth and later Hartcliffe and Speedwell Stations. Within eight short years Ray became a Sub Officer based at Speedwell training centre and was involved with teaching and mentoring Junior Fireman across two cohorts, many whom went on to become Bristol and Avon Fire Brigade legends.

Ray became a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Instructor, teaching these young lads discipline and self reliance, field craft on the brecon beacons and community service. He took them on to receive their D of E Gold Award from Prince Phillip at Buckingham Palace.

He extended his training career as Station Officer at Speedwell and on to Temple Back, training the last cohort of recruits for Bristol Fire Brigade at Speedwell and the first cohort of recruits for Avon Fire Brigade at Temple. Ray became a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers by examination, and played an active role there on, in presiding over the Institution examinations as well as later becoming the senior examinations officer in the South West for the Fire Service Examination Board. He then became Station Commander at B7 Kingswood day crewing.

After attaining the rank of ADO, he worked at Avon HQ as Press Officer and at B Division, before securing a seconded position as Divisional Officer, instructor at the Fire Service Technical College. Three years at the College, teaching both Junior and Senior Officers leadership and service command, Ray returned as Staff Officer at Avon Fire Brigade Headquarters. He championed the Brigades First Aid Team and helped them toward their national supremacy, over a number of years in the early eighties. He then became the Brigade Training Officer, directing recruit and service wide training. Divisional Commander of both B and C Divisions in succession. Promoted to Senior Divisional Officer and becoming Senior Staff Officer, he developed the new Service (S) Division and helped create the Brigade Drill Squad. As Assitant Chief Fire Officer, focusing further on support services, planning and training. Ray enjoyed a short period as Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer, with his last contribution, bringing recruit training back to Avon Fire Service after a 5 year hiatus.

Receiving a Fellowship with the Institution of Fire Engineers, for loyal and outstanding service. Ray had enjoyed a long, varied and successful career, but more importantly had made many great friends and given himself to the service he loved, which in turn, he so greatly enjoyed working in.

Retiring in 1992, after 32 years distinguished service. Ray became a freeman and liveryman of the Worshipful Company of firefighters. A livery company in the City of London.

Ray passed away after a short illness at 11am on 19th February 2026 at his home in Saltford, Nr Bristol supported by his close family.