The family of a ''courageous'' firefighter who took his own life while on duty have spoken of their ''despair'' that they couldn't ''fix him''.
Firefighter Andrew Moore, aged 50, was found dead at Wolverhampton fire station, on Sunday, where he had been on the night shift.
Former soldier Andrew, who had proudly worked as a firefighter for more than 25 years, had been part of Red Watch for West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS).
Andrew's sister Cathy Green described her brother as ''funny'' and ''quick witted'' but also as someone who ''struggled with daily life''.
In an emotional Facebook post she told how he ''didn't feel any joy in life'' despite knowing he was ''loved and supported'' by family and friends.
She wrote: "My brother 'is' firefighter Andrew Moore. Every day I am proud to call him my brother.
"As a 19-year-old soldier he put his career on hold to look after our mum and young brothers after the untimely death of our Dad aged just 50.
"After leaving the army Andy joined the fire service.
''Every day I was in awe of the courage and selflessness of him and other firefighters who walked into danger to rescue others and attend road traffic accidents and other traumatic events to help strangers.
"Andy was the best of sons,husbands, fathers and brothers.
"He was kind and generous with his time, loving and open about his feelings.
"He was funny, so funny, he was quick witted, an amazing mimic and full of mischief.
"But every day Andy felt lost, he struggled with daily life.
"He said he didn't feel any joy in life, his was all a pretence.
"Andy knew he was loved and supported and we knew he loved us back.
"But we couldn't fix him and we couldn't make him stay.
"I have never known despair so deep that I feel oblivion is a better option.
"To all those who have been left behind by either family or a friend who has taken the decision to end their own suffering my heart breaks for you.
"I will miss my brother every day and wish his life had been of more value and joy to him - because it was to us.
"Rest in peace my wonderful funny little brother."
Andrew's heartbroken daughter Grace also paid tribute in a moving Facebook post following the tragedy.
She wrote: "I have no words.
"There was nothing that could have prepared me for this pain.
"I will continue to shine your light forever more, my beautiful, kind, courageous and loving daddy ."
Following Andrew's death, colleagues held a minutes' silence on Monday morning and flags across West Midlands Fire Service stations were flown at half-mast while many changed their profile pictures on social media to a thin red line in tribute.
In a statement West Midlands Fire service said Mr Moore's family had been informed of his death in person by senior fire officers.
Chief fire officer Phil Loach said: “Andrew’s death has come as a great shock to the entire service.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues.
“One of our senior officers informed Andrew’s family of his death.
"We will continue to provide them with all the support they need at this very difficult time.”
Chair of WMFRA, councillor Greg Brackenridge added: “Our thoughts are very much with Andrew’s family.
"I know that his death has affected many people, within and outside of the service. We will ensure that we do all we can for those who need support.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigade Union general secretary, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our member Andrew Moore.
"His sudden, tragic death is a shock to all of us in the Fire Brigades Union.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.
“The circumstances of Brother Moore’s death are extremely upsetting and we encourage firefighters and control staff to speak to their colleagues and comrades if they are in any way affected.
"We are working hard to better understand the impact of firefighting on mental health. No one should ever feel there is no other way out.”
If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org
